" All of These People"

Who was it 

who suggested that the opposite

 of War

Is not so much Peace as civilisation?

 He knew

Our assassinated Catholic greengrocer who died 

At Christmas in the arms of our Methodist Minister,

And our ice-cream man whose continuing Requiem

Is the twenty-one flavours Children have by Heart.

Our cobbler mends shoes for everybody; our butcher

Blends into his best sausages, leeks, garlic, honey;

Our cornershop sells everything from bread to kindling.

Who can bring Peace 

to people who are not civilised?

All of These People,

   Alive or Dead, 

are

 Civilised.

Michael Longley

Belfast

Ireland

~ Beannaichte'

28 September, 2018

@beannaichte.twitter.com 

"Letting Go"

       The Autumn Season makes it clear to me, as no other, the need for "letting go".
The trees speak the language, as they drop their leaves.  So beautiful, in all their rich autumnal colours, eventually making their descent to the earth, below. They do not hold on, as it is time to let go.

       The flowers that have graced us with their parade of colours, have let go of their blossoms, to rest until their next seasons, as to gift us, once again.

       Even the sky takes on a different cast, as if saying "good-bye" to the bright azure blues, we have known in earlier months.

       The birds are flocking, as they prepare for their long Journey to a distant, warmer, climate. This is perhaps one of my favourite sights, of the Season.  It is truly a thing of beauty. It is also one of the saddest, as I watch them disappear into the grey sky, of Autumn. I am amazed by their ability to follow their course, so swiftly and steadily. I am equally saddened to know the perils that lay ahead of them.

       Perhaps, this is a Season that can lead us into a deeper understanding of "letting go". Its necessity, its process, and purpose, in the rhythm of all aspects of life.

       Unlike the human condition, Nature is not prone to sentimentality, other emotions, or mindsets. It is practical, and follows a path.  If that path is altered, it will usually readjust, as to follow its own natural course. There is no questioning or analyzing, only a definiteness of purpose.

       Nature is honest.  It speaks the truth of its circumstances, whether we like it or not.  No matter.

       Nature is guided by Hope.  A Hope that for everything that must diminish, something new will take its place...

       In my years, it has been difficult for me to understand, and accept, the language of "letting go".  Now, I realize, it is a necessary part of the Journey. ~A path that is not misguided, as I once believed; but one that is traveled with a definitive Hope... 

~ Beannaichte'

   Alicia O'Hara

~ Copyrighted Material; 8 November, 2011
~ Posted on 17 September, 2018 

@beannaichte.twitter.com

~ When I began my blog, in October of 2011, this essay would become one of the most viewed, of my personal writings. Perhaps, this is because its content remains timely. I enjoyed the opportunity to write and share it, with each one of you. I believe it to be equally relevant, in the Autumn of this year. I hope you will enjoy it, as we continue on the Journey, together... 

Mile Buiochas!

~ Beannaichte'
  17 September, 2018