Monday Morning Musings:
“I imagine that one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.”
–James Baldwin
Today is Rosh Hashanah,
the start of the High Holy Days.
We say “Shanah Tova,”
and wish people a sweet year.
The weekend began with
the anniversary of 9/11.
Never forget.
As if we could.
Then caring for our grandpets.
Doggy kisses
and kitty purrs.
A party.
People with different jobs,
beliefs
interests,
drinking and
playing volleyball.
No, not me.
I’ll just watch.
Having fun.
Enjoying
the beautiful evening.
Meanwhile—
The man with the hair
whips up hate.
Throughout history
demagogues have appeared.
He is merely the latest.
A little man
for all his wealth.
Seeking to rise by
finding a scapegoat–
as all demagogues do.
It is nothing new.
It’s their fault,
they declare.
You don’t have money,
goods,
or
power–
It’s because of them.
Migrants, Jews,
Women.
People with black skin,
or yellow skin.
Educated people.
Illiterate people.
Gay.
Trans.
It doesn’t matter.
They are Others,
not one of us.
Nativists, Know Nothings, and Exclusion Acts—
We don’t want your kind.
“Give me your tired, your poor.”
Lady Liberty cries,
But not too tired, not too poor.
the followers yell.
We don’t want people who
look different.
And
none of that foreign talk here.
Speak English.
Wave a flag,
like a true patriot.
A clerk in Kentucky claims religious freedom by
denying others their rights.
Doesn’t she know that liberty
is inclusive,
not exclusive?
Hate does not win.
Hate brings more hate.
Hate combusts and burns
like the brushfires out west,
consuming everything it touches.
Love,
Compassion,
Empathy,
Education
tame the flames,
to a warm glow,
enough to sit around,
enough to bake bread.
I baked challahs yesterday.
The kitchen smells
Of bread and memories.
And love, too.
“Bread and roses.”
Fuel for body
and soul.
Dip the apple in the honey.
Taste its sweetness.
It is everywhere.
Look.
It is all around you.
Can you see the sweetness
of life?
Stop.
Just look.
Do you see it?
Can you look past the hate?
Can you see how beautiful
Our Earth is?
Wishing all of you peace and a sweet new year!
©Merril D. Smith
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
ok, Shanah tovah… 🙂
A couple of years ago I started my research on a book involving the sephardim of the 17th century, unfortunately never finished. But I did meet a lot of interesting people along the way who became very dear friends. Quite different from the Ashkenazim but essentially the same..
I loved this post.. thank you for saying this.. I appreciate it. 🙂
Thanks so much, Tejaswi! I’m glad you liked the post.
You are right that it is very interesting history. I hope you are able to finish your book at some point.
Yes, I hope to, some day.. not very.. umm.. mobile.. these days.. and cannot really hold a pen in my hand and write like I used to.. of course, I can type well.. but not the same thing 🙂
One day, soon.. I promise.. It is absolutely fascinating history, I agree.. In fact, until then I did not know much about the Sephardim.. it is wonderful that I met such good people too along the way. I am grateful for that, more than anything else.
Beautiful sentiments, beautifully expressed. Thank you for a beautiful start to my week and an important reminder that when we point our finger at “them,” three others point back at us. Shanah tovah.
Shanah Tovah, Janet! Thank you for your comments. I’m glad I helped you start your week off well. 🙂
My favorite lines: Education tame the flames,
to a warm glow,
enough to sit around,
enough to bake bread.
I baked challahs yesterday.
The kitchen smells
Of bread and memories.
One caveat: Knowing what I know of religious conviction, I understand the plight of Kim Davis. She believes the First Amendment accords her religious freedom, yet the law decrees otherwise. Her stance is untenable though, and she must do as Judge Scalia (Washington Post) advises: Either comply with the recent Supreme Court ruling or find a new job.
Nevertheless, life is sweetness even with our differences. Shanah tova! A sweet year to you and yours.
Thanks so much for chiming in here, Marian. We will have to agree to disagree on Kim Davis. To me, she is in effect imposing her religious views upon others and denying them their rights–thus actually going against the First Amendment.
I wish you and yours a very sweet year!
And that’s why she has to find another job!
Agree!
Shanah Tovah Merril. May Hugs work their way round the World from you bringing Love, Peace and Understanding to all.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Thank you, David. Massive hugs to you and yours–and wishes for a sweet year for you.
First thing I did after reading this, Merril, was to go find a fresh yellow apple from this year’s crop, wash it, slice it, and dip it into honey. Shanah tovah to you and yours, Merril.
And I see the man with the hair, the clerk with the wrong idea of religious liberty, and the words inscribed on Lady Liberty exactly the way you do.
Ooh that challah looks wonderful!
Oh my! Thanks for this, Shirley. I’ve been writing test items all day, and your comments made me chuckle and cheer. The challah was wonderful–I baked 6 yesterday, and I’ll probably bake a few more this week. (Our family dinner is next Saturday.) I hope you enjoyed your super fresh apple dipped in honey. Shanah Tovah to you and yours.
OK, you two. I’m off for my honey-dipped apple now.
Haha. Enjoy!
Merril … Your challah looks yummy. If all could just taste that, maybe we would have a sweeter outcome and outlook. I agree that hate only breeds more hate. I’m wishing fervantly that the haters don’t win. They’ve had victories in the past that were rooted in hate as they blamed others for their troubles.
I love your poem. You’ve created many powerful images.;-)
Thanks so much, Judy. The challah IS yummy. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Shana Tovah to you and yours.
Shanah Tova.
Awesome post as it is a unique blend that tie together.
Thanks so much, Frank. I had so many thoughts in my head, and I was trying to find a way to tie them together. I’m glad you thought it was awesome. 🙂 Shana Tova to you!
Shana Tova, Merrill. A wonderful blend of the earthly and the senses with reflections not always so sweet. If only common sense and kindness was a given!
Thank you so much, Olga. I agree, if only! Shana Tovah to you, as well.
Such at lovely post Merrill thank you and for reminding us of what is beautiful and valuable on our planet. Shanah Tovah to you and yours and a blessed New Year to all, peace be yours ..
Thank you so much for your kind words, Susan. Wishing you and yours a very sweet year.
Very beautiful!! L’shana tova, Merril!!
Thank you so much, Luanne. Shana tova to you, too!
Shanan Tovah, Merril. And thank you for such a beautiful and timely poem. I agree with every single syllable.
Oh my gosh, thanks so much, Marie!
Merril, your words and meanings were incredibly powerful here and my stumblings here certainly don’t do you justice. I am deliberately avoiding coverage of the US elections as well as the revolving doors of Prime Ministers we’ve had here. Australia has had something like 5 Prime MInisters in five years (is it any wonder we’ve become jaded and cynical?!!) I personally can’t understand why there are so many barriers and divisions between people. We have so much in common and I’ve always been intrigued and captivated by other cultures and it’s such a wonderful thing for humanity to be such an incredible kaleidoscope.I had to look up what Shanah Tovah meant before I wished it to you. So, Shanah Tovah! Peace wbe with you! xx Rowena
Awwww. . . .thanks so much Rowena for your kind and thoughtful comments. I was stumbling about a bit myself.
I imagine it would be difficult for someone outside of the US to fathom the weirdness of US national elections–the circus beginning so long before the actual event. I don’t understand it myself.
I am so ignorant of Australian politics though. I knew the current PM was out, but I didn’t know you’d have so many in such a short time.
Wishing you and yours a very sweet new year. We’re actually having our big family dinner on Saturday. 🙂
Enjoy your dinner and say hello from your Aussie mates. I* look forward to reading about your dinner and your menu. A sweet New Year to you too. Love & blessings, Rowena
I know I’m a little late, but … Shanah Tova, Merril. Wishing you a sweet year, too. I like that — wishing people a sweet year — very much. Beautiful, beautiful post. 🙂
Hi, Robin. Thank you so much for your kind words and wishes. We’re actually having our family holiday dinner here tonight, so your wish is perfect timing!