David Given Schwarm

Married, Father, United

Qur’an

This book took me a very long time to read. I did not get all that much out of it–I read it so that I would have a more deep understanding of the beauty of Islam. I did not get that–I got a lot of hate. I really wanted to find the part that right…
Surah CXIII

4. An from the evil of those who blow on knots
Surah CIX

1. Say: O unbelievers!2. I do not serve that which you serve,3. Nor do you serve Him Whom I serve:4. Nor am I going to serve that which you server,5. Nor are you going to serve Him Whom I serve:6. You shall have your religion and I shall have my religion.
Kean–Bolivia Caracol "Peaberry"

Country of Origin–Bolivia Caracol “Peaberry”Appelation/Region–CaranaviEstate/Farm–Co-op Union Pro AgroGrower–Small Holder FarmsCertification–Fair Trade/OrganicRating & Roast Notes–Medium-Full RoastDate Roasted–Sep 6/07 I got this coffee last Wednesday–it is not bad, but the roast was a little light & the flavor was a little to complex for me. I did like the coffee when it was very hot much more…
St. Barsanuphius the Great

When anyone is disturbed or saddened under the pretext of a good and soul-profiting matter, and is angered against his neighbour, it is evident that this is not according to God: for everything that is of God is peaceful and useful and leads a man to humility and to judging himself.
19. Like a Child

I am singular in my trustfulness,I am devoid of ambition,I am as innocent as a babe.I am a waif, a stray, a child without a home.All others have an excess of things,and I am as one abandoned.How foolish and simple I am!I am bewildered.Everyone sparkles with intelligence;I am along in my obscurity. I am tossed…
Nine of Swords–Cruelty

Mechanical Cruelty! This is not good news! Use any tool at my disposal to lift myself out of this!
St. Feofil, the Fool for Christ

If you are praised, be silent. If you are scolded, be silent. If you incur losses, be silent. If you receive profit, be silent. If you are satiated, be silent. If you are hungry, also be silent. And do not be afraid that there will be no fruit when all dies down; there will be!…
Seven of Cups–Debauch

If we don’t know what to choose, we should consider leaving them all alone!!
Mark Doty–School of the Arts

School of the Arts is a great book of modern poetry. I saw Mark at the UCLA Festival of Books where I picked up this book. It has a lot of great stuff–including a meaningful cover–the dog image is Arden. Arden the dog figures very prominently in Stairs a great poem–and likely my favorite of…