Skyping From The Hospital

I am in love with technology. Here I am, waiting in a hospital for my dear one to have an operation, tapped into a wireless network and even able to Skype Europe. Some people become irritated with those who use their technology (cell phones) in public but I kind of like that. It's nice to see people wanting to stay close to the people they care for. As long as they're not driving and texting, why not? I think it's better not to use cell phones for long chats while driving, but it's not a whole lot different from just talking to someone in the car, as long as they're using a headset. As far as talking on cell phones in trains and so on, I love it, being privy to all that information, participating vicariously in people's glorious and messy lives. On occasion, I have even entered into the conversation, whispering some advice to the person talking and definitely talking the problem over after, entering into people's lives for the space of the ride. I have yet to have anybody get angry; they seem complimented to have me interested. Little do they know I write it all down as soon as possible and save it for a novel.

Mother's Day haibun, 2009

A day celebrating my biological role. More than that, I guess. My sociological role as well. All my failures kindly overlooked. As if I were the final winner of the American Idol of Motherhood show. As if I danced with the star who was the Platonic role model of mothers, her hands of steel and nimble legs using me as a marionette who appears to be dancing just as well as she does. Surrounded by faces who have decided not to tell me my cancer is beyond redemption, that the doctor has sewed me back together so the show can go on. Now the night's curtain has fallen. Wipe off the makeup, let my cup of hot milk tremble, no longer try to walk with a vigorous and springy step. Oh, how kind are the ones who surround me, how kind is the darkness.

still in the moon’s night

chamomile sheets and pillow

outside wind rises

Stop cruelty to humans. It starts with animals.

This is a link to the Animal Rights TV of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

I think cruelty toward other people often starts with tolerating cruelty to animals. As little children, most of us enjoy the walking, talking, kindly animals in children's literature. At the same time, we're taught to eat meat. I wonder what kind of shock children experience when they realize they're actually eating their animal friends. Since meat is given to them by their adult caretakers, almost from the beginning, we learn to tolerate this ambiguity.

In my opinion, this toleration of cruelty lays the ground for the toleration of cruelty to any being, even humans, whom we perceive as "other." Put this ethical need for the elimination of meat eating together with the economic tragedy of how meat-eating is helping to destroy the resources of the planet, and this issue is something we really need to think about. Do yourself a favor and watch some of these PETA videos for self-education!

I'll be reading at Robin's on May 6

Robin's is the most venerable bookstore in Philadelphia. Well, maybe there are other venerable bookstores but Robin's is beloved by readers and writers. You can find interesting readings and workshops almost every night of the week and buy some good books in the bargain. Robin's now occupies the second floor of the building and incorporates the Moonstone Art Center. I'll be reading poetry there on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p. m. (like I need to tell you it's p.m.). My co-reader will be Betti Kahn and I'm going to bring my famous home-baked Bards' Bars (secret recipe), so show up for food for the body and mind! We'll have books to sell and sign.