I could write about
Providing children with books or
Overfocusing only on word attack or
A new mural dedicated to "celebration of a city that has been built by immigrants and where immigrants have been welcomed."
Potentially world altering proposals or
Federal government troops defending DC or
Space X getting millions and never paying taxes or
Stock market values escalating to levels exceeding profits or
Gerrymandering for congressional seats that exceeds my understanding or
Commissioned in 2023, it's a bit of a reminder of the long standing respect
for millions of people from all around the globe (not just Europe)
who have left families, loved ones, lives to be in "America" It can be visited in St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC. Today, I am choosing to smile.
7 comments:
Anita,
Art gives us a way to talk about those important issues. That mural reminds me of the Workers Murals Diego Rivera painted in Detroit. I’m incensed at much in the world, but Marc Elias wrote a hopeful post a few days ago offering ways the pendulum is shifting. Most days I have hope we’ll make it through this troublesome time.
I love how art can bring us into the moment and make us appreciate something outside of how awful the world can be. This is a terrible moment in history, happening right before our eyes. But it's nice to be reminded that there is still beauty in the world amongst the rubble.
A picture says more than words ever can. St. Pat's is a fitting place. arjeha
Anita, I love the way you chose a mural style piece of art and found so much to write about in it. There isn't much quite like art and music for inspiring such passion and emotion, and you have brought it all home today in your poem. There is still much to smile about, and indeed it is a choice.
Good advice, good choice: SMILE. They say smiling triggers the release of dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, which improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance the immune system much the same as laughing. Thanks for the reminder.
Anita, to look for the good in the bad times and choose to smile is an act of resistance, as is art and poetry. Thank you for your role model here.
Now you have me determined to visit St. Patrick’s when next I am in NYC. Your list poem could have gone on much longer, I imagine, but you honed it very well. And ending with appreciation is an act of resistance, for sure. Thank you for this piece.
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