overcoming hate – Rivers Renewed

Memorial Day 2021

My father-in-law fought in World War II, and was there for the invasion of Normandy. Specifically he was on Omaha Beach and lived to tell about it. Later he fought in the Korean War.

My Dad was in the military too but due to his age he was in between the wars. They are both long since passed away.

It’s difficult to know sometimes what to write on days like today. It’s a solemn day, remembering all those who gave their lives fighting…..for our democracy.

For me personally, I thank God for them. I’m also grateful to come from a long line of fighting Nazis, and right wing extremism.

Wishing you peace today. Let’s remember….. to remember.

In Diversity There is Strength

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In this age of racism and strife, I wanted to make a statement that all people are welcome here!

Regardless of your race, or where you are from, or your language, or religion, or if you have no religion,

you are welcome here. Unless you’re a bully! No bullies are allowed on this site.

Diversity is a strength. We each have something important to contribute to our world.

I so appreciate all my readers!

Thank you so much!

Writer’s Wings

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Even when I’m folding my wings I’m very aware

of the wordflow waiting…

phrases seeking

another river,

another poem

from within my heart.

I’m grieving like many of you over the deadly racism in the United States.

Do we have a right to criticize other nations? It’s a sin really from our very beginning.

And I also grieve for how the far-right is ripping us apart. Caring more for their assault rifles than they do for people.

Closer to home my wife needs further treatments for cancer. The last round was not enough.

There will be more aggressive, more invasive treatments and that means more horrible side effects.

And we had a cousin die recently…..from cancer. This was the cousin that had the big family gatherings every year…

for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We’ve eaten at their home many times. He was in his forties, married with children.

I’ve shared these things because I’ve had the wind knocked out of me like I wrote in yesterday’s poem.

No, I don’t feel a need to stop blogging. I still have plenty of wordflow…….somewhere, but I’m grieving.

I just need some restoration, with my wings folded.

Wings of Encouragement

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Help me today God to put on the spirit of an eagle,

not a vulture picking away

at the deadness of this world, instead

choosing to rise above the hate

on wings of encouragement

respecting all

regardless of creed.

Remembering

the power of one.

Amen.

The Festival of Lights

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Too often around the world, including in our country, Jewish people are attacked and sometimes killed due to hate.

Spins on the dark web reinforce hate filled minds and are manifested in physical attacks.

What can we do? Well speaking out about hate is one beginning. And proclaiming our support for those attacked….will draw us closer together I think.

So I will also share a little of a beautiful holiday just recently celebrated for 8 days by many Jewish people.

Chanakah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a beautiful holiday commemorating the cleansing of the Temple. The Temple had been desecrated.

But once it was retaken there was a miracle! Oil for the candles lasted 8 nights, after re-dedication, when there was only enough oil for 1 night.

So each year 8 candles are lit with the 9th candle of a Chanakiah (a menorah for Chanukah).

Celebrate light this season!

All are welcome here, regardless of your religion, or if you have no religion.

This is not a political post, just a declaration that I stand against hate.

Peace to each one.

Note: This has been on my heart.

What Would He Say?

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If God himself came down to bring judgment on our nation what would He say to the rich attempting to remove healthcare from the poor?

Many with pre-existing conditions?

What would He say to leaders still putting brown children in cages?

What would He say to White Nationalists, some in government or even in media, continuing to spread hatred, inciting violence?

What would He say to leaders refusing to acknowledge the devastation of our climate changing, putting us all in danger and in harm’s way?

What would He say to a leader that lies about paying off women to keep quiet, about having sex with them?

And most of all what would he say to the people calling faith their home, as they bow down to their vulgar conservative idol, doing all they can to protect him, simply because he is called conservative?

What in heaven’s name would God say?

Great Leadership Defined

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A great leader is courageous yet filled with compassion, strong yet willing to yield, driven by wisdom and committed to the greater good. A person of the people, willing to sacrifice for others.

Thank you God, for the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Each year I post as a way of remembering Dr. King. Now more than ever, may we seek leaders with values like his. May we remember, and continue the work.

When Our Blue Descended

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When our blue descended it was only the beginning

covering over so much

scar tissue.

The world held its breath

hopeful, that perhaps

just maybe

we could be wrapped

in a thin layer at least

of peace, and compassion

that someday soon

sanity would return

to our nation,

at least we hope so.

Our Rivers Will Speak to Us

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When we are quiet, our spirits drifting

into peace

our rivers will speak to us

as we covet the love

in our hearts.

And yes

it is true sometimes

rivers will carry us

to make a stand.

My friends my river is speaking, and it says Nationalism falsely parades as patriotism. It’s not patriotic.

In one single year from 2016 to 2017 hate crimes against Hispanics in our country went up 40%.

In that same year 2016 to 2017 anti-Semitic hate crimes in our country went up about 60%!!

What does that tell you?

It says Nationalism causes hatred because of an atmosphere of division and strife.

Push back on hate!!

Please vote on November 6th!!

Hatred is un-American.

Writing through the Pain of Our Times

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Writing through pain and tragedy is one of the most difficult things a writer can face. How much do we say or not say?

I like you, feel things deeply. And the last week has often been horrific, hasn’t it?

It would be easy for me to rant against far right extremists. They have caused so much suffering and pain.

And yet right now I am grieving, and standing with the people of Pittsburg, and the Jewish community there. I simply can’t write a poem about nature at the moment.

May the One who made us all, comfort all who are grieving.