Category Archives: Philosophy

How to Sabbath

The spirit of the covenant is neat,though letters in the ancient text are stern.It’s mindfulness that’s sought, in a completedeparture from the daily grind: to learn,to think, to contemplate, to burnthe other end of candlelight, ablazewith comprehension, and returnwith fresh … Continue reading

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Toiling

Embracing inconvenience as a modeof transiting life’s paths and avenuesis nothing popular, but paves a roadwith vignettes I would never think to choose.In truth it isn’t work I would unloadbut daily grinding, which produces blues.It’s said a woman’s work is … Continue reading

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FWIW

When bird flu first arrived in Western news,I recollect extreme anxiety.A house ago, I entertained the viewsof dire damage to humanity.And maybe living through that episode,embracing impotence and lack of fact,is what prepared me, when the Covid rodeus hard, to … Continue reading

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Accidental Aphorism

At table with four strangers, we engagedin pleasant conversation more or less.Amid strong personalities, none wageda war of words or politics. I guessa phrase was coined (by me, I here confess),to put in words a parent’s strategy:“I have their backs … Continue reading

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Institutional

A house behind a gate, with screens and locks,and information screened on screens displayed,suggests household security but mocksreality. As ever, I will tradesuch gimmicks for the features well-conveyedby walking under trees, inhaling airoutside the bounds of institution’s grade.Of earth’s diversity … Continue reading

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Circumambulating

We managed every day to walk outsidebeneath some green or into river breeze:some pictures shot; a plant identified(clematis with a beard); our hips and kneeswell exercised; our talking less decreesthan observations, diligent and fair.There were complaints, of course, among the … Continue reading

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One Way

The toothpaste won’t go back into its tube.The travel out the lamp is just one way.When curiosity unhinged that cubeand let fly trouble to the light of day,there was no method to reverse the spray.Such lessons are so easy to … Continue reading

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No Kill

Sixteen years old suggested someone killthe figurehead. The grownups jumped and said,Uh uh – that course of action no doubt willproduce a martyr – leave the jerk undead.Eliminate another way insteadof cartoon violence – the remedywill not emerge from arms … Continue reading

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Small Changes

I’m moving slower, but it’s not becauseI’m older or in pain or feel unwell.Avoiding careless injury and flawsin attitude – now grace begins to gelin me – a microchange in every cell.The dashing never won me any boon –it only … Continue reading

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Confidence (Again)

Of course I’ve tried to change behavior morethan once, and more than once I’ve likewise failed.What felt like stubbornness then made me sureto try again – I’m worth the work entailed.But I’ve seen others flunk and hit the floor –they … Continue reading

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