CARPE DIEM

 

"Good mornin' America, how are you?"

rosprynn(c) 2005

 

No surprise that song has been running through my head all week.  When I first went to live in the U.S, I heard that song and loved it, even though at the time I couldn't relate to the pictures of America that Arlo sings so eloquently about.  I can now - I have seen the reality of them.

 

Like the rest of the world, I have been mesmerized by the images and reports coming from that region.  This week has shown us all what Leonard Cohen calls "the best and the worst" of what America is all about. Indeed, I have shared much of what I have found with many of you, much to the annoyance, frustration of some! I have been scanning message boards across the globe, gleaning information on resources, and opinions of onlookers, both from within and outside of (without?!) America. 

 

I have gone through a range of human emotions from blazing anger, to despairing tears, to overwhelming agony and compassion for those affected directly, to absolute joy as I have read some of the responses. Many, many people have lost all material possessions; many animals, many babies separated from their families, as we see images of bodies floating in rancid waters (and if that's not a metaphor for humanity I don't know what is!)

 

One thing I have come to?  This natural disaster called Katrina has presented not only Americans, but all of us with a golden opportunity.  Just as the first flood heralded the opportunity to re-assess, examine how we each want to BE, how we will conduct ourselves as humans, what sort of society we want to be part of so, too, has this latest deluge given us yet another defining moment.

 

In any defining moment we are given a choice.  As individuals we can decide if we will BE the essence of compassion, love, caring etc, as I believe we are put on this earth to be.  Or, we can respond from our most base aspects of human nature, forgetting our divine origins. This last week I have heard many ugly commentaries from "ordinary" people from around the world, and I have to tell you, I wept as I felt and saw the divisive hatred that seemingly has been percolating just beneath the surface of this civilized society. I have also been blessed to witness the most glorious attributes of many on this human adventure, as they have quietly demonstrated unseen acts of compassion for their fellow man.  Never mind all the political shenanigans.  Those of you who know me, KNOW where I stand on that.  But I have a suggestion.  Forget all the politicians; forget all the finger pointing and blaming and the "shoulda coulda woulda".  Time enough later, for that; let them get on with it.  They are irrelevant. What IS relevant is how we respond.

 

This moment in U.S history, (human history) is a golden opportunity, a precious gift. Every individual must now decide, once and for all, what we truly believe.  It feels so urgent to me that we NOW are being called upon to re- affirm who we are, what values we hold most precious.  In my opinion, this IS a pivotal moment; we can turn back "the squalls of hate", or drown in them.

 

Time is fast running out.  We have all "talked the talk", ad nauseum.  Now is time to "walk the walk".  We may not get many more chances. So - pretty basic:

will you "Stand by me"? or "Walk on by"?  (Don't you just love music?  Grins.)