I am re-reading M Train by Patti Smith, several writers on Substack, and following, as much as I can take, news on the impact that cutting off research funds is having on so many things, but particularly on HIV and the promise of a hoped for vaccine.
Of course I continue to tend to my small private practice and be a good friend and sister/cousin. Recently hit a “is it real or is it memorex” state of mind about everything, but especially about the intersection of my mental and physical health.
My answer was to bring myself to a place where I can swim and chill for a few days. We’ll see what I come up with and what degree of clarity I might manage.
Thank you for your post; brilliant response to your troll by the way.
Poetry has never been a balm for me, especially the way it is for you and many others. These days I find my succor mostly in the outdoors and by that, I do not mean hikes in mountains or paddling down long rivers but mostly just in the small bit of it around my house, the trees there, the things I have planted. They give me perspective and a deep understanding of that verse from Ecclesiastes. Living with an oak tree which is probably older than this nation will do that. Admiring that jacaranda tree's glory will do that. Strangely enough, I feel more compelled to write than ever. Our voices are still, like the blooming jacaranda, as important as ever. If not more so. Or at least, that's what I am feeling.
yes, yes. Re-read The Second Coming tonight. Writing rants myself, but nothing approaches Yeats. That Jacaranda is amazing. Only the natural world salves.
Oh my goodness, that tree is stunning. Just as that tree stopped me with its glory, this is the same way we need to hear your interior life, so that we will know there is richness of human feeling, of humanness, despite the shallowness of our leaders. That there is you, and yours, gives me hope for this world. I love you.
Many years ago I read words by Anais Nin to the effect, that some men read to confirm their misery, others to deny it. I have a sense that all the ‘rage and loathing’ in the world lowers its vibration adding to the mess that exists. The ‘rage and loathing’ also stews in the body which responds better to positive sustenance. Whilst I’m appalled and pained by the injustice in the world, it serves no one least of all me, to take the rage and loathing on unless it can somehow be of service and enable transformation. Being the light that shines through the cracks seems to me to be a better option. Encouraging, consoling, inspiring and sparking change through open curious dialogue seems more useful. And, I don’t mean any of this in a condescending way.
O my gosh! They practice their religion with impunity? What does that even mean? Pray tell, how would you have ‘them’ punished? And, who are the evil men randomly killed? The thousands starving? Perhaps, you’ve overdosed on one too many Hamas/UNRWA press releases. Rage and loathing do get in the way of good writing, to be sure.
Thanks for commenting, Eleanor! Here are my answers to your questions: 1. Practicing a religion with impunity means doing something without being penalized or without consequences. 2. Those who commit war crimes should be punished. Those who support war crimes could acknowledge those war crimes for what they are. 3. The evil men are terrorists and the thousands of children starving are Palestinians. I don't believe there was ever an end game to the slaughter of Palestinians, and when I say "random," I mean the killing of Hamas -- in all those piles of innocent dead people, a random number are Hamas. No, I haven't "overdosed" on Hamas press releases. I am cognizant of propaganda on both sides of this terrible conflict. I trust the people I know there. I trust the international organizations' and physicians' reports. As for your condescending remarks about "good writing" being interfered with, I have no desire to write well about such things. I am indeed filled with rage and loathing at the unmerciful things of this world, and that includes, right now, those on the far right of Judaism and Christianity who are practicing their religion with impunity.
XOXOXOXOXOXO I am reading Doppelganger by Naomi Klein and entranced. Not depressing. Maybe I've already encouraged you to read this book....
My elderberry is magnificent in full flower.
Love you,
Thank you 🧡
I am re-reading M Train by Patti Smith, several writers on Substack, and following, as much as I can take, news on the impact that cutting off research funds is having on so many things, but particularly on HIV and the promise of a hoped for vaccine.
Of course I continue to tend to my small private practice and be a good friend and sister/cousin. Recently hit a “is it real or is it memorex” state of mind about everything, but especially about the intersection of my mental and physical health.
My answer was to bring myself to a place where I can swim and chill for a few days. We’ll see what I come up with and what degree of clarity I might manage.
Thank you for your post; brilliant response to your troll by the way.
Swimming and chilling sounds divine. I loved Patti Smith's "M Train." I follow her on Substack and tell everyone that she's my "influencer"!
Poetry has never been a balm for me, especially the way it is for you and many others. These days I find my succor mostly in the outdoors and by that, I do not mean hikes in mountains or paddling down long rivers but mostly just in the small bit of it around my house, the trees there, the things I have planted. They give me perspective and a deep understanding of that verse from Ecclesiastes. Living with an oak tree which is probably older than this nation will do that. Admiring that jacaranda tree's glory will do that. Strangely enough, I feel more compelled to write than ever. Our voices are still, like the blooming jacaranda, as important as ever. If not more so. Or at least, that's what I am feeling.
Your writing is poetry, Mary Moon. And it's always been a balm to me.
You are precious.
yes, yes. Re-read The Second Coming tonight. Writing rants myself, but nothing approaches Yeats. That Jacaranda is amazing. Only the natural world salves.
Agreed
Oh my goodness, that tree is stunning. Just as that tree stopped me with its glory, this is the same way we need to hear your interior life, so that we will know there is richness of human feeling, of humanness, despite the shallowness of our leaders. That there is you, and yours, gives me hope for this world. I love you.
Many years ago I read words by Anais Nin to the effect, that some men read to confirm their misery, others to deny it. I have a sense that all the ‘rage and loathing’ in the world lowers its vibration adding to the mess that exists. The ‘rage and loathing’ also stews in the body which responds better to positive sustenance. Whilst I’m appalled and pained by the injustice in the world, it serves no one least of all me, to take the rage and loathing on unless it can somehow be of service and enable transformation. Being the light that shines through the cracks seems to me to be a better option. Encouraging, consoling, inspiring and sparking change through open curious dialogue seems more useful. And, I don’t mean any of this in a condescending way.
O my gosh! They practice their religion with impunity? What does that even mean? Pray tell, how would you have ‘them’ punished? And, who are the evil men randomly killed? The thousands starving? Perhaps, you’ve overdosed on one too many Hamas/UNRWA press releases. Rage and loathing do get in the way of good writing, to be sure.
Thanks for commenting, Eleanor! Here are my answers to your questions: 1. Practicing a religion with impunity means doing something without being penalized or without consequences. 2. Those who commit war crimes should be punished. Those who support war crimes could acknowledge those war crimes for what they are. 3. The evil men are terrorists and the thousands of children starving are Palestinians. I don't believe there was ever an end game to the slaughter of Palestinians, and when I say "random," I mean the killing of Hamas -- in all those piles of innocent dead people, a random number are Hamas. No, I haven't "overdosed" on Hamas press releases. I am cognizant of propaganda on both sides of this terrible conflict. I trust the people I know there. I trust the international organizations' and physicians' reports. As for your condescending remarks about "good writing" being interfered with, I have no desire to write well about such things. I am indeed filled with rage and loathing at the unmerciful things of this world, and that includes, right now, those on the far right of Judaism and Christianity who are practicing their religion with impunity.
Preach
I haven’t felt any desire to write in over a year, for the reasons you describe. I always like reading your writing, however.
Thanks, Virginia. xoxox