Today, I Pause

One of my 2021 goals was to write something on this blog once a day. At least during January. You know, give it a month, and let’s see how it goes.

I even had a Wednesday plan. Midweek would be a good time to write about poetry. I’d share a poem I’m working on and write about a book of poetry or poet that I’m currently reading.

The disgraceful and violent events in our nation’s capital today have led me to a change of plans.

There’s a phrase that’s been spinning around in my head the past few weeks, “hate is the snake that eats its own tail.” I think that’s what we witnessed today.

I’m optimistic by nature. Although days like today challenge that nature. Still, I bend towards kindness, empathy, and compassion. I’d rather spend my days that way than eating my own tail.

So, I’m not writing about poetry today. And I’m not sharing a poem. But I am spending time tonight with Jim Harrrison’s After Ikkyu, a collection that I return to during dark and challenging times.

I wish you peace, safety, and grace, and days filled with joy and the absence of hate.