In Solidarity With the People of Egypt

Women protesting in Egypt

AP photo

Poem for the People of Egypt: On This Day of Awakening

by Magdalena Gomez on Tuesday, February 1, 2011

On This Day of Awakening

(for the people of Egypt; you are bread for a starving world)

For you, with fists in your voice,

who without arms or rope

break the aberrant mule.

(All apologies to brother mule

who once carried water

to my mother’s mouth.)

For you, who plant lush gardens

in the putrid fields of caution,

rousing the dead into epiphanies

and face to face contact;

For you who shame the silence

of tyranny’s allies

those thugs with perfect teeth

and unworn boots,

who tug at straining vests

from safe distances;

their only rebellion

a rumbling, soft stomach.

Threats arrive

from the sewers of greed,

where secrets,

and soldiers

huckstered from their youth,

are buried beneath

lies of bread.

The helicopters,

the trucks,

the guns,

the planes,

the shadows,

the sounds,

the gas,

the smoke,

the looks,

the signals,

the orders.

Check all of the above

for stamps of origin.

Cobra

rears up straight

from broken ground,

dips her tongue

deep into the bruise of night,

writing over Cairo

the undelivered letter

to be read by the world.

The promise of the last word

makes The People One,

making fools of governments

and masters who command

with broken sticks

poking out from their ears.

For you who

Stand.

Resist.

Rebel.

Survivors and Witnesses:

Tell.

Cobra,

each and all.

From every pore of body and soul

a million sets of eyes open at once

on the face of holiness;

a sacred prayer

erupts around the world

that in every language

sings: “Not enough! No more!”

-Magdalena Gómez

Copyright, 2011

*****

To my friends - this wonderful poem shown above was written by a friend, Magdalena Gomez, in Western Massachusetts. She has given permission for it to be passed along to others if you wish.

*****

Egypt: ‘Protesters streamed into Tahrir, or Liberation Square, defying a government transportation shutdown to make their way from rural provinces in the Nile Delta. The peaceful crowd was jammed in shoulder to shoulder — schoolteachers, farmers, unemployed university graduates, women in conservative headscarves and women in high heels, men in suits and working-class men in scuffed shoes.’ (AP)


I just saw a news clip showing hundreds of carloads of people with their entire families coming into Cairo from all over, to take part in the million person demonstration - also, it is reported that the army will not harm them. This is good! Reminds me of the passion of the Civil Rights Movement here in the United States in the late 60's.

peacesojourner

Update on New Year's Resolutions made in 2009

I first wrote this piece in January 2009 - the update is at the end of the post.

Did you make any new year’s resolutions/goals? Usually we start off well, keep on track for the first 30 days and then it all becomes forgotten in the hurry-scurry of life. Another good intention started with enthusiasm and soon gone by the wayside.

I did not make any personal goals this year until I received the following news.

On Jan 6th I had my annual physical and the Dr. informed me that I have high cholesterol. She explained that too much cholesterol in the blood could be serious and poses a risk of getting heart disease. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

I was surprised to learn that only about 20% of cholesterol comes from the foods you eat. Your body makes the other 80%. Things such as age and family health history affect how much cholesterol your body makes. Unfortunately, there are usually no signs that you have high cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test.

She explained that this is a serious diagnosis and should not be taken lightly.

I took a long look at this information and decided that I had to make some changes in my lifestyle. The doctor suggested a change in diet and exercise.
I do not eat meat and my diet is already low in cholesterol but I took a look at what I eat and realized that three things had to go: cheese, egg yolks and desserts.

I recently read that there are eight healthy foods that are essential to eat every day. So I plan to work these into my daily diet along with 30 minutes of moderate exercise.

Here is the list of eight:

1. Spinach: 
A rich source omega-3s and folate, which help reduce the risk of heart disease. 1-cup fresh spinach or a half-cup cooked per day. SUBSTITUTES: Kale, bok choy, romaine lettuce.


 


2. Yogurt:
Helps boost your immune system, provides protection against cancer. Make sure the label says “live and active cultures.” One cup a day. SUBSTITUTES: Kefir, cottage cheese. Plain fat free yogurt is also a perfect base for creamy salad dressings and dips. 



3. Tomatoes: packed with more of the antioxidant lycopene which can decrease your risk of bladder, lung, prostate, breast, skin, and stomach cancers, and coronary artery disease. Eight red cherry tomatoes or a glass of tomato juice per day. SUBSTITUTES: Red watermelon, pink grapefruit, Japanese persimmon, papaya, guava.

4. Carrots: are associated with a reduction in a wide range of cancers, as well as a reduced risk of inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Aim for a half-cup a day. SUBSTITUTES: Sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut squash, yellow bell pepper, mango.


 

5. Blueberries: Host to more antioxidants than any other North American fruit, blueberries help prevent cancer, diabetes, and age-related memory changes. Rich in fiber and vitamins A and C can also boost cardiovascular health. 1-cup fresh blueberries a day, or a half-cup frozen or dried. 

SUBSTITUTE: Açai, an Amazonian berry.

6. Black Beans: All beans are good for your heart and brain. They’re full of anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds that have been shown to improve brain function. A daily half-cup serving provides 8 grams of protein and 7.5 grams of fiber, and is low in calories and free of saturated fat. 

SUBSTITUTES: Peas, lentils, and pinto, kidney, fava, and lima beans.



7. Walnuts: Richer in heart-healthy omega-3s than salmon, loaded with more anti-inflammatory polyphenols than red wine. A serving of walnuts is about 1 ounce, or seven nuts. Substitutes: Almonds, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, (all unsalted).

8. Oats: Awarded the FDA’s first seal of approval. They are packed with soluble fiber, which lowers the risk of heart disease. Oats have 10 grams of protein per half-cup serving, they deliver steady muscle-friendly energy. 

SUBSTITUTES: Quinoa, flaxseed, amaranth, and pearl barley.

So now my goals are written down for the world to see. Change my diet and exercise. The pressure is on. I will report back to you (and my Dr.) in 90 days. ☺

*****

It is hard for me to believe that it has been two years since I wrote this post.

I did follow this food program and the good news is that I lost 40 lbs and my cholesterol is no longer elevated. I did not take any prescribed medications for the problem It was suggested to me that if you don't want to have high cholesterol don't put any cholesterol into your body. I read all labels very carefully and usually will not eat anything that has cholesterol in it.

So there you have it, even though I am reporting back to you much later then the 90 days I am in good health and have discovered that I have come to really enjoy the foods that I eat. Plenty of fruit and vegetables daily, and yes, I accept a dessert every now and then when I am at a social event - I just don't have them in the home.

Haven't been as diligent with the daily exercise but will try harder with that this year :-)

peacesojourner

If it is Thursday it's Going Green - Reduce Heating Costs

Remember the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy states, "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." Children learn by observation and watching what we do. Conservation should become a natural way of life for them.

We are in the depths of winter and experiencing extreme cold temperatures. Have you done an inventory of your house to check for drafts and areas of energy loss? Try the following suggestions, you may be surprised at the results. Get the children involved , have them check the house with you.

HEATING: Your furnace will work most efficiently if you keep it clean. Change disposable filters monthly; or use a reusable filter, which should be checked monthly and washed in the sink or outside if it’s clogging up. An oil furnace should be cleaned and serviced by a licensed technician annually; a gas furnace every two years. The inspection will guarantee your furnace is running as efficiently as possible and will also reveal any dangerous leaks, including carbon monoxide. Set up an appointment today.

REDUCE HEATING COSTS: If your furnace is more than 10 to 15 years old, or your boiler is more than 20 years old, replace it with a model approved by the federal government’s Energy Star program. It will pay for itself in energy savings in 5-10 years.
Set a programmable thermostat. It will automatically adjust the heat to match your daily patterns. You won’t waste energy while your home is empty, and you won’t have to remember to turn the thermostat up or down. Even better - turn it down a few degrees in the winter anyway.

SEAL YOUR HOUSE: - Close the fireplace damper; install a timer (available at hardware stores) on the bathroom exhaust fan; seal ductwork.

- Vacuum radiators and baseboard heaters because dust cuts down on their efficiency.
- Close off all heating vents and doors to unused rooms.
- Keep your curtains closed at night to cut down heating costs. Close all closet doors.
- Place foam draft blockers under all external wall electric outlets, to prevent cold air coming into the home.
- Applying caulk or weather stripping to gaps around doors and windows can reduce energy loss, save costs on heating, and make your house more comfortable.

To my friends who live in warmer climates some of these suggestions apply, especially controlling your thermostat to avoid your air conditioner working overtime.

The View From My Window

The Snowfall Is So Silent

by Miguel de Unamuno

Translated by Robert Bly

The snowfall is so silent,

so slow,

bit by bit, with delicacy

it settles down on the earth

and covers over the fields.

The silent snow comes down

white and weightless;

snowfall makes no noise,

falls as forgetting falls,

flake after flake.

It covers the fields gently

while frost attacks them

with its sudden flashes of white;

covers everything with its pure

and silent covering;

not one thing on the ground

anywhere escapes it.

And wherever it falls it stays,

content and gay,

for snow does not slip off

as rain does,

but it stays and sinks in.

The flakes are skyflowers,

pale lilies from the clouds,

that wither on earth.

They come down blossoming

but then so quickly

they are gone;

they bloom only on the peak,

above the mountains,

and make the earth feel heavier

when they die inside.

Snow, delicate snow,

that falls with such lightness

on the head,

on the feelings,

come and cover over the sadness

that lies always in my reason.

**********

A perfect day for reflection on recent events.

peacesojourner

U,S, Military Deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan - 5,896

U.S. Military Casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan - 5,896 total

US Military Deaths - Afghanistan 1,461

Iraq - Since war began (3/19/03): 4,435

Total Wounded: Over 100,000

U.S. Wounded

320,000 Vets Have Brain Injuries

War Veterans’ Concussions Are Often Overlooked

More than 18 Vet Suicides Per Day

Other Coalition Troops - Iraq 318

Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan 840

Contractor Employee Deaths - Iraq 1,487

Journalists - Iraq 348

Academics Killed - Iraq 448

Sources: DoD, MNF, and iCasualties.org

TOTAL US military: 5,896

"Despite all our differences, there is, I believe, a powerful connectedness to our humanity—a deep desire to reach out with kindness, with love and great caring toward each other, even to our supposed enemies, and to bring forth “the better angels of our nature”—that is undeniable and cannot be extinguished, even in death." Ron Kovic (Viet Nam veteran and peace activist)

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil. My cup runneth over. (Psalms 23:5)

*****

We are now in the year 2011 and still at war - almost 6,000 US deaths recorded and more than a million in Iraq and Afghanistan - please take a stand against the wars and let your politicians know that these wars need to be stopped - in the name of humanity.

peacesojourner

'Mother of Mothers' - A Poem to the Mothers in Haiti

photos from AP

Mother of Mothers

When a brave woman's out walking

she's Mistress Life's spitting image

(Michel-Ange Hyppolite)

The faces of mothers of mothers,

their cheekbones gleaming against

taut skins; their eyes glazed

with the scarring of so much loss.

In Haiti, the mothers

of mothers have lamented for so

long—all that is left is the

sturdy presence of grace,

the wide open heart of knowing

how much a casket weighs, how

it feels on the open palm.

The mothers of mothers

march through the congregation

while the children of men

clap their hands, beat

tambourines, scratch the grater

and sing the flat harmony

that shivers the air.

Beneath a cascade of flame yellow

and red flamboyants,

she stalks the outskirts of the

feet worn worship ground—

the outer limits of the congregation

where the weeds and stones

have accumulated, here, where

the excavation of rubble takes

us as far as weary arms

and the creaky wheel barrow

can go.

These women draw a pattern

of circles with their heavy planted

feet, their arms raised high, their

voices continuing with greater

ceremony and occasion;

that conversation that began

with Jesus at four in the morning.

Oh, the mothers of mothers

who know too well the hottest

sorrow—the broken bodies

of children, the boy who covers

a jaw full of maggots, and the

tall lanky son, whose spine

gives under the weight of concrete

before he is pulled out,

laid under the soft blue light

of a wayside clinic, waiting

to go; and quietly, with the flies

returning to his skin, he is

still, though he must wait

there until dusk, before they

notice, before a procession

of mothers leads the body out

into the night, and mother of

mother, she hears her child

wake, look around, and speak:

"How nice the air is out here,"

before he dies, this time for good.

Mothers of mothers,

in your bandana and with your

holy testament, you must

draw the line of defense

around the beleaguered souls,

and speak a torrent of curses

on the beast lurking in the shadows. – Kwame Dawes

Poet, Kwame Dawes, born in Ghana in 1962. The images from post-earthquake Haiti a year later remain hauntingly powerful, the facts strikingly sad — yet somehow, the USC professor and poet who has traveled there several times to document the aftermath among people with HIV/AIDS through poetry — finds as much hope as horror.

*****

A tribute to the mothers in earthquake torn Haiti.

peacesojourner

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr on this day

Remembering Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the 82nd anniversary of his birth.

Dr. King's words are still relevant today:

"If we assume that life is worth living and that humans have the right to survival,

then we must find an alternative to war.

In a day when vehicles hurtle through outer space, and guided ballistic missiles carve highways of death through the stratosphere, no nation can claim victory in war.

The church cannot be silent while humankind faces the threat of nuclear annihilation.

If the church is true to her mission, she must call for an end to the arms race.

I am convinced that if we succumb to the temptation to use violence in our struggle for freedom, unborn generations will be the recipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness, and our chief legacy to them will be a never ending reign of chaos.

Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude."

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

THEY SLEW THE DREAMER -

LONG LIVE THE DREAM