If I had even a little bit of energy today, I’d write about:
BeliefNet. Prof. B. says that Pres. Kennedy and Justice Roberts
are wrong about Catholicism and the public office-holder. Instead,
“where a Catholic judge believes his participation in a particular case
would constitute formal cooperation with evil, the judge should recuse
himself–as often happens.”
I continue to believe (as discussed here), that a Catholic judge may
be required to go further, and take action when faced with a case
involving a law deemed intrinsically evil by the Church — in order to
stay true to the Church’s teachings. Supreme Court justices have
far more direct power (and thus responsibility) than does any single
voter. (but see, Doug Kmiec’s view)
“An Evaluation of Federal Tax Policy Based on Judeo-Christian
Ethics,” by Susam Pace Hamill, Virginia Tax Review, Vol. 25, Winter
2006) (available at SSRN), in which Prof. Hamill, of Univ. of Alabama
Law School, “severely criticizes the Bush Administration’s tax policies
under the moral principles of Judeo-Christian ethics.” (via Mirror of Justice)
The synopsis suggests a rather preachy tone, but the conclusions do
resonate with me.
Needing to recharge my batteries, I shall instead
share some haiku with you from Michael Dylan Welch:
broken to the heartwood—
an old meadow elm
after thunder
first on the trail—
the pull of a spider’s strand
across my face
a switch-back
in the trail—
I glance at her face
stones on the trail . . .
a downy feather
wafts in the breeze
from Thornewood Poems at Captain Haiku’s Secret Hangout
from dagosan:
bad news
from the doctor —
voices through the wall
Day of the Dead —
the anorectic
looks envious
[Nov. 4, 2005]
November 4, 2005
energy shortage (mine)
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just day-dreaming? download “Dewdrop World”
It’s a be-outside or stare-out-the-window kind of sunny
autumn day here in Schenectady. I have to run down to
the Board of Elections to cast an Absentee Ballot, so I
get to actually be outside.
If you’re stuck indoors, why not download David G. Lanoue‘s
haiku novel Dewdrop World (2005), which Prof. L is offering for
free in gratitude for the generosity all have shown after Hurricane
Katrina. See our prior post, a great free novel for more details
about the novel.
Here are a few more of David’s haiku from Dewdrop World:
in the pink dusk
with pimples
moon
scrabbling for crumbs
amid the pigeons
sparrow
busy little buggers
the flower-mad
butterflies
David G. Lanoue from Dewdrop World (2005)
this world
is a dewdrop world
yes… but…
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a couple days late: dias de los muertos
Despite a timely reminder from Jason at Roadrunner Haiku Journal, I’ve managed to miss celebrating Mexico’s Dias de Los Muertos – the Days of the Dead. My sole visit to Mexico, in 1988, coincided with Dias de Los Muertos and the sights, sounds and spirit of the celebration are among my favorite memories. The Mexican emphasis on embracing death and the dead, rather than fearing them, brings joy to those days, to the surprise of Eurocentric Americans.
At his Dia de los Muertos website, artist Ladislao Loera explains the celebrations, and also presents his striking artwork, which brings an ancient tradition, that has been influenced by several cultures, into a modern idiom. Here is his description of the festivities:
“Dia de los Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico and the Southwest states, and coincides with the Christian All Souls and All Saints Days. On November 1st and 2nd people remember those who are deceased. November 1st is considered the Dia de los Angelitos–the day to remember children that have died, November 2nd is the traditional Dia de los Muertos (day of the dead).
“Pictures of the deceased are placed on Dia de los Muertos altars with their favorite food and drink. Candles to light their way home, and soap and water to freshen-up after their long trip back are also often placed on altars. Trinkets they were fond of, symbols they would understand, and gifts are left to communicate to them that they are always in the hearts of those they left behind, and that they are still part of the family even though they aren’t physically with us any longer.
…………………………………………………………………………….. Tres Calaveras from Loera 
“Families often spend time at the cemetery with loved ones, bringing food and drink along with all the other necessities for a picnic. However, at this picnic the deceased is the guest of honor. Dia de los Muertos is a time of joy because we know that we are surrounded by those that we love–both living and dead. “
You can find many more links and images here, including a Lesson Plan to teach children about Dias de lost muertos. For more information, read a chapter from Death and Bereavement In The Americas, entitled “What Do Mexicans Celebrate On The Day Of The Dead?” (2003), by Salvador, R. J.
dagosan has yet to pen a proper poem for the Days of the Dead. At haikupoet.com, however, Paul David Mena (a/k/a extraspecialbitter) celebrated the Day of the Dead on Nov. 1st and 2nd with haiku, and posted four more featuring All Souls Day on Nov. 2nd. Perhaps by coincidence, from Tokyo, Sakuo chose a haiku for Everyday Issa that tells of dying, and he added his own related artwork and renku. These early November days are, then, a very good time to re-connect with loved ones who have died — with joy for their living and for our remaining together in memory and spirit, and on the Day of the Dead.
Dias de los Muertos
grandma passes grandpa
the olive platter
Afterthought (October 30, 2007): The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian has this description of Los Dias de los Muertos page that lists many events that have be held this year to coincide with the celebration:
“Although many cultures see death as a cause for sadness rather than celebration, the cultures that observe Los Dias de Los Muertos do not: Death is not seen as something to be faced with fear but as the doorway to other levels of existence. It is believed that during Los Dias de Los Muertos the souls of the dead return to visit the lviign – a cause for celebation — just like the welcome given a dear friend or relative who visits after a long time away.