I just read a poem written about living in Northern Ireland that felt so appropriate for these times. So even though I’ve already written a post today, I’m sending out a second post filled with a different look at Here, Now, than the one I just posted.

In the midst of mass shootings, pandemic, climate change disasters, increasing mental illness among our children, and ever more gun violence in our nation I sometimes wonder what to make of it all. How have we created this world we are living in, filled with so much hate, destruction, separation, and violence?

I have no answers and I am left pondering questions about how we ended up where we are now and what we need to do to get back to

A Peaceful Place Called Home

We spew hatred at one another while the world is burning down around us. And instead of caring for one another, we attack, blame and deny.

It is both a dignity and
a difficulty
to live between these
names,

perceiving politics
in the syntax of
the state.

And at the end of the day,
the reality is
that whether we
change
or whether we stay
the same

these questions will
remain.

Who are we
to be
with one
another?

and

How are we
to be
with one
another?

and

What to do
with all those memories
of all of those funerals?

and

What about those present
whose past was blasted
far beyond their
future?

I wake.
You wake.
She wakes.
He wakes.
They wake.

We Wake
and take
this troubled beauty forward.

   — Padraig O Tuama

I have no answers to the burning questions of our world. All I can do is try to do small acts of kindness, smile at strangers, offer help when I can, and try to care for the earth as I am able.

There are other stories than the ones we now tell ourselves, stories of interdependence, respect, abundance, and peace. Everything is sacred. Everyone is worthy. My wish for us all is to learn to tell and embrace new stories about our world and our place in it.

Sending light and love to all.

May you walk in beauty.


Marilyn

Photographer sharing beauty, grace & joy in photographs and blog posts. I live in the Twin Cites in Minnesota, the land of lakes, trees, and wonderful nature.

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