KAREN BAUMGARTNER
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Authenticity

9/5/2018

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I’ve never cared for conflict
and the stress that it does bring
I would make sure it didn’t happen
no matter what the thing

Instead I would just turn off my brain
and pretend that with all I was just fine
To those that were around
the fact that I agreed seemed to be an obvious clear sign

In my mind creating conflict
was something done with those you hate
For some that may be true
but I was never in that state

Adding to my apprehension was the fear
of the opinions of people I was around
My self-worth was wrapped up in what they thought
I looked to them for my own worth to be found

In time I realized that no one else
could change the value that I had
My own true worth and value never change
no matter who I would make mad

With deep obstacles now gone I am free to say
the thoughts and convictions that I hold dear
I have many things I need to say
I will not stay quiet out of fear

I still don’t care for conflict
But now I choose to in it go
If my motive is pure I enter
for the change I hope to sow

It is a choice I have to make each time
I find no pleasure engaging against others’ strong emotions
It’s a draining task that I would never do
if I knew a better way outside of these commotions

Through this change of authenticity
I’ve seen a better world emerge
No longer do I have to hide myself
my thoughts I don’t submerge

And though it also causes stress
it has made lasting changes that I can see

The power to improve the world I have
​
merely by being a fully loving and authentic me

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Be Free

7/29/2018

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Of course you have it. I haven’t met a single soul who is without.
But does it run your life or do its words you dare to doubt?

When you were young the older folk took a double dose to make up for what you lacked.
But as you grew older you became accustomed and you in a corner it often backed.

At first it was a whisper but now it runs your life.
You’ve given it the needed freedom. You’ve let it cause you strife.

“Better safe than sorry” it whispers in your ear.
In case you haven’t figured, the thing of which I speak is fear.

It tells you to put on a face so that others will like what they see.
And at least then if they dislike, that person is not who you really be.

“Better safe than sorry” whenever a jolt of authenticity comes you’ll say.
Putting yourself out there will always be for another day.

Now it has ceased to whisper for it’s become the dictator of your mind.
A stronger voice than this selfish friend is often hard to find.

It reminds me of an elephant’s chain. After tested it can be replaced with a weak and tiny string.
For the elephant will never again test the true strength of this other thing.

All I’m trying to say is that an elephant is not what you are.
​
So break that tiny string and you’ll indeed see that you can go so very far.

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Words

7/27/2018

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They can cause the deepest hurts
and they can show the greatest love.

Sticks and stones may break bones
but words can crush the soul.


A few strong ones can build up or tear down.
They cause smiles and bitter blows.


Some people strip them of their meaning
while others weave them together creating beautiful art.


They will never wear out but use them well.
Strip them of their meaning and your voice is gone.
Let them slip for a moment and the damage cannot be repaired.
​

Words are powerful weapons.
Perhaps the strongest we have.
Use them wisely.
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My Dear Minnesota

6/26/2018

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What can I say? You captured my heart
My dear Minnesota, where should I start?

Shall I recount memories of rivers, and many a lake?
Rushing streams and crashing waves, what lovely sounds they make
Lake Superior alone has stolen from me many hours at a time
On its shores sits Duluth, a city I consider out of the whole world a prime
Breathtaking beauty and introspection as deep as you will
If you pursue this thing in that city you can master that skill

The Twin Cities have most anything one could ever want to do
From museums to hiking, the possibilities are only limited by you.
We are filled with sports teams, watch whatever you like
For an easy way to get there feel free to rent a city bike
If shopping’s your thing visit Mall of America and our other malls that abound
For we invented these things, the very first indoor ones in this state were found
Whatever type of art or music you prefer
There are plenty of places that to you I could refer
In the cathedral of Saint Paul you can only remain unmoved if you keep shut your eyes.
Well, you’d have to plug your ears too for the music would cause emotion to rise
Or perhaps the Capitol building you’d prefer, you could meet the horses of gold
Although I’ll tell you that non-winter is best if you quite hate the cold

I personally could do without having winter take up half our year
Although fresh snowfall outside makes me forget about what I do not hold dear
I don’t enjoy the cold though I’m in love with the snow
Can I enjoy that white stuff without letting feeling in my face go?
Turning snow into men has become a northern hobby of mine
On more than one occasion they’ve reached feet over nine.
Snowshoeing, sledding, skating, igloos and more
We build ice houses using the frozen lake as a floor
Snowball fights, ice palaces, and snow sculptures too
Are some of the cold wintery things that we like to do
We are a hearty crowd, our character built by the cold and the ice
Perhaps that’s why others have dubbed us as possessing “Minnesota nice”

We’re known for our winters but summers are grand
For perfect temps, sunshine, and greenery take over our land
We transition from snow and ice to water skiing and fishing
Believe me, being in this state during summer is what you should be wishing
Everywhere you turn you catch glimpses of waters and parks
There is always more to see, there are so many landmarks
This place is brimming with culture and fun events to attend
It is impossible not to find a way for your own time to spend

Your heart my lie elsewhere but for me there is no debate
That this place Minnesota is the most glorious state
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See the Beauty

5/7/2018

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No one ever looks at a flower and calls it ugly.
They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
All beautiful in their own way.
Is it so hard to see people this way?
We are all different shapes, sizes, and colors.
We are all beautiful in our own unique ways.
Find the beauty. Take it in and let it make your heart glad.
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