My Veselija

"It is very imprudent, it is tragic - but, ah, it is so beautiful! Bit by bit these poor people have given up everything else; but to this they cling with all the power of their souls- they can not give up the veselia! To do that would mean, not merely to be defeated, but to acknowledge defeat - and the difference between these two things is what keeps the world going. The veselia has come down to them from a far off time; and the meaning of it was that one might dwell within the cave and gaze upon shadows provided only that once in his lifetime he could break his chains, and feel his wings, and behold the sun;" -The Jungle, Upton Sinclair

Pedaling high up into mountain roads is my veselija.

The Acorns Are Dropping

An unknown hurler launched a missile across my path
It bounced softly on last years leaves
A torrential downpour timed to the slightest breeze
Oaken forest precipitates progeny and laughs

With Humility and Pride...

It makes sense that the House Speaker make the following statement as a prelude to this historic piece of legislation: “It is with great humility and with great pride that we tonight will make history for our country and progress for the American people,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said just before the vote. “We will be joining those who established Social Security, Medicare and now, tonight, health care for all Americans.”

Catherds

With the patience of a cat shepherd, or catherd, if you will. Waiting, coaxing, calling, corralling, and repeating. Courage flits in to plug the unknown cracks in the ship where fear seeps in. Fluid yes, but far less visible than water. More gaseous, and noxious to the soul. In the dark holds of the ship, courage battles to remain afloat, and atop the main mast, temperance keeps the deck hands from burning, and looking into the sun. The catherds Temperance and Courage save the troubled, tempted mind.

Beware the hobby that eats.