A Poem to Imagine: Instructions on How to Change the World
A former family therapist, Mark is an author, poet, and short-story writer who appreciates the work of John and Yoko.
The Most Underrated Beatle
The most underrated Beatle was Yoko Ono. ( I know what you're thinking. She really wasn't a Beatle, but listen to my logic.)
She inspired John Lennon to pursue his dreams of becoming a solo artist, to be more than just a Beatle. With Yoko's help, he fulfilled this dream by writing the most important song of our generation, "Imagine." Its beautiful words conjure up a world at peace without barriers, divisions, and attachments to material possessions.
It was Yoko's language and vision that he channeled. Her inspiration went into the song "Imagine," believing that peace and love can exist, but first it has to be in our imagination. Check out Yohn & Yoko's documentary "Above Us Only Sky" for more of Yoko's influence on John's thought process.
As a child, Yoko was a war survivor and it was her imagination that helped her and her brother survive Japan's devastation.
I honor Yoko's legacy as a creative who saw the world and ourselves in a different light. What better book to express that than "Grapefruit," which inspired me to pen this poem called "Instructions on How to Change the World."
Enjoy the poem and the video.
Instructions on How to Change the World
1.
Go to grandma’s house on Saturday
Help her make tuna salad
Chop one small onion and allow yourself to cry
Put kindness into the mixing bowl
Wait for the eggs to boil
And dream of giving
a sandwich to every hungry child.
2.
Dust off your bongos
Call a friend
Invite her to walk with you
Keep tapping the hand drum
while she dances around you,
singing “Yellow Submarine”
Pretty soon the world will follow.
3.
Hop on one leg
Switch to the other
Try it while bouncing a ball
Do it until it becomes natural
and have a smile on your face.
4.
Get a bike with a banana seat
that says peace and love
Make sure it has rainbow streamers
and baseball cards on the wheel spokes
Invite others to do the same
And soon everyone will
ride bikes with banana seats.
5.
Imagine your arms can stretch
above the sky,
all the way to nirvana
While your hands are above the clouds,
take pictures of the people
who now live in heaven
and give the photographs to their family.
6.
Dial a random number on your phone
and wish that person peace
Ask him or her to call one other person
and say the same words
Imagine a world full of people
wishing each other peace,
opening up their hearts.
Comments
Mark Tulin (author) from Ventura, California on April 14, 2021:
Thanks, Marlene. Much peace.
Marlene Bertrand from USA on April 14, 2021:
What a beautiful piece. I love the one about the phone (don't want to be a spoil alert).
Mark Tulin (author) from Ventura, California on April 14, 2021:
As I get older, I appreciate John Lennon more and more. His spirit continues to live on.
Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on April 14, 2021:
Mark, "Imagine" is basically my mantra. It's my favorite song of all time and John Lennon is one of my favorite artists.
Your poem/ideas for changing the world for better are spot on and so simple! I especially love number five. Wouldn't it be cool if we could really do that?
I'll have to come back to watch the video. I'm at work right now and don't want to mute it.
Mark Tulin (author) from Ventura, California on April 09, 2021:
Thank you, Treshty. Your Mom sounds like an amazing woman and probably has a good singing voice.
Chrish Canosa from Manila Philippines on April 09, 2021:
When I was practicing the song imagine on my piano mom would sing it loud. I so love this song. Thanks a lot for helping us changing our somehow disturbed life. The reminders are a huge help, those simple actions what makes a life meaningful. I'm so into your poem!!! Blessings (wink)
Mark Tulin (author) from Ventura, California on April 08, 2021:
thank you, Jamie. She was very misunderstood. ☮️
Jamie Lee Hamann from Reno NV on April 08, 2021:
I am glad you have given Yoko the respect she deserves. Your poetry is well written and a joy to read. Jamie
Mark Tulin (author) from Ventura, California on April 08, 2021:
Thanks John. Peace is the kindest word. ☮️
John Hansen from Queensland Australia on April 08, 2021:
How can you not love the song “Imagine.” Yes, Yoko was very influential in John Lennon’s song writing and his inspiration, so I guess she could be classified as a Beatle. I love your poem...peace to you, Mark.
Mark Tulin (author) from Ventura, California on April 08, 2021:
Exactly, Brenda. Love can spread.
BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on April 08, 2021:
Mark,
You are right...my first thought was Yoko was not a Beatle.
That song, " Imagine " is one of my favorites.
It touches so many hearts.
I love your poem.
Through a simple act of kindness...love can spread.
