This heaviness is in my heart and head. These things (past, present, future?) and more…are things I just can’t shake. Really, they are the kinds of things one shouldn’t shake away: we should put our faces right up to them, shine that mirror onto our natures, and teach each other better ways. Which is why I am embarrassed that at times like these, my instinct is to grab my family and run. My worst weaknesses, fear and sorrow. Sometimes I just can’t find a silver lining. Sometimes I can’t help but see the worst.
Jaded, cynical, and rational, I cannot believe in a benevolent creator that loves the people of earth, so I need to believe in a world of people who love each other. It’s all I’ve got. It’s all I am.
Which is maybe why, tonight, when Will picked this book to read at bedtime, I finished it with great difficulty. Not the hormonal sensitivities of a younger woman feeling nostalgic over a cheesy movie’s surprise patriotism — but the hitching breath and breaking voice of an adult who doesn’t know how to explain how ugly things happen in a world her children are being taught to love.
From “Is There Really a Human Race?”
And why do we do it, this zillion-yard dash?
If we don’t help each other, we’re all going to… crash.
Sometimes it’s better not to go fast.
There are beautiful sights to be seen when you’re last.
Shouldn’t it be that you just try your best?
And that’s more important than beating the rest?
Shouldn’t it be looking back at the end
that you judge your own race by the help that you lend?
So, take what’s inside you and make big, bold choices.
And for those who can’t speak for themselves, use bold voices.
And make friends and love well,
bring art to this place.
And make the world better
for the whole human race.
Emmy | 08-Jan-09 at 9:15 pm | Permalink
When I spoke with the organizer of the march on City Hall two years ago, she told me. This happens all the time, something shakes folks up, they march, and then they forget. I don’t think so, I told her. Not this time. But yes, how quickly we forget, and how we dismiss, after shaking our heads. I so believe this city is worth fighting for, but with so many things to fight for in the city, it’s hard to choose your battles. I look at your photos of Peru, of the poor, and uneducated, and still generally “safe” and most definitely happy. Through our American lenses, we might naively pity them. I wonder if they know enough of what life is like here to pity us?
If you can pull yourself out of the mire (did you see my name etched on the wall), here’s a good direction for your anger:
Strike Against Crime Update
Date: Thu, Jan. 08, 2009
Tomorrow, January 9, 2009, we will Strike Against Crime, voicing community-wide condemnation of violent crime in New Orleans and memorializing those whom we have lost to the violence. We call upon citizens, businesses, and city government to pursue policies and programs that spread peace through our neighborhoods and our city as a whole.
Community-led efforts and activities will be going on across town throughout Friday and Saturday. The following major activities will bring coordinated peace and social justice messages to downtown, uptown, and City Hall:
10am: Peace Motorcade, beginning at the intersection of North Claiborne Avenue and Gov. Nicholls Street. Nakita Shavers will lead this motorcade in memory of her brother, Dinerral Shavers, and Helen Hill, the two artists whose 2006 murders led to the founding of SilenceIsViolence.
12 noon: Victims memorial, steps of City Hall. We will read the names of all New Orleanians lost to homicide during the past year. Citizens and elected officials, including District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro, will participate in the memorial reading of the names. We invite any New Orleanian who mourns the loss of our citizens to join us in this annual memorial.
6pm: Procession and Vigil for Ja’Shawn Powell. Led by the city’s Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs. Gather at New Hope Baptist Church, 1807 La Salle Street, at 6pm for prayer; walk to the corner of Jackson Avenue and Danneel Street; candlelight vigil in Van McMurray Park.
In addition, please WEAR RED on Friday to show your respect for victims of violence and your pledge to work toward peace in New Orleans.
Additional events and activities are listed on our website. Let Friday be a day when we stand together as a city, in solidarity of peaceful purpose.
kitty | 08-Jan-09 at 11:31 pm | Permalink
Such a provocative post. Lovely photos.
lulu | 10-Jan-09 at 9:11 am | Permalink
Great poem and photos – very inspirational Lx
Lisa Paul | 10-Jan-09 at 8:00 pm | Permalink
It’s been heart-breaking to read on this and other NOLA blogs about the crime troubles in your great city. But uplifting to read how so many of you are coming together to make a difference. As long as the latter is happening, the former can be changed.
By the way, nominated you for a 2009 Bloggie Award. See my call to action here: http://leftcoastcowboys.com/2009/01/10/your-vote-can-change-the-world/