First, the Christian religion co-opts another pagan holiday (the Celtic New Year on November 1) with All Hallows’ Evening and Scottish and Irish children go door-to-door reciting poetry, singing, telling jokes and doing tricks for free food. Centuries later the religious holiday is co-opted by secular marketeers. Is turnabout fair play? https://nationaltoday.com/halloween/
Second, I’m scheduled for a hospital visit today for a KUB ultrasound to determine if my kidney stone has moved and what the next steps will be for its demise. What might my trick or treat be today?
Third, I’m scheduled to give a poetry reading in 5 weeks at a local Indie bookstore and cafe. It will be my first reading there so I’m excited and a little frightened at the same time. I would appreciate any advice you would offer.
“Visit a Cemetery Day is a holiday that takes place every last Sunday in October. This year it falls on October 30. It is a day that allows us to honor the life of those who are gone. It is a chance to admit that, though they’re no longer physically with us, we still have them in our memories. It is a day when people go to the gravesite of friends and families who have left this world.
WHY VISIT A CEMETERY DAY IS IMPORTANT
To honor the dead – On this special holiday, we get to honor those who have gone before us. It is good to cherish the memories they left behind.
Understand life better – When we visit the cemetery, we get a better insight into life and appreciate that we must cherish it.
Helps to remember the dead – On Visit a Cemetery Day, we get to recall the times we spent with departed loved ones. We remember all the things they’ve done for us and the memories we shared.” https://nationaltoday.com/visit-a-cemetery-day/
“Today, the British Royal Society for the Protection of Birds celebrates Feed the Birds Day. R.S.P.B. advises people to put out food and water for birds regularly. These can be kept in safe environments where the birds can land, rest and replenish themselves. Birds can be in danger of malnutrition during colder months. The weather naturally limits the amount of food the birds get access to in the wild.
WHY RSPB FEED THE BIRDS DAY IS IMPORTANT
It raises awareness – The holiday contributes to the conservation of wild birds. People are made aware of the problems birds encounter and how to help them.
It protects birds – People are more likely to help birds as a result of the holiday. Birds have easier access to food and water, which makes it easier for them to survive.
It helps the environment – Birds play a vital role in the ecology. They aid in the maintenance of a healthy environmental balance. Protecting them contributes to environmental protection.”
I woke up yesterday morning to a strong pain in my lower right back. Long story short, it was diagnosed as “right side flank pain – right 5mm obstructing stone in the ureter causing moderate hydroureter and hydronephrosis” AKA, kidney stone. I know, I know, this is TMI: too much information. Anyway, I’m feeling much better this morning and found the two items below inspiring a brief poem of my own that follows.
There are only two feelings. Love and fear. There are only two languages. Love and fear. There are only two activities. Love and fear. There are only two motives, two procedures, two frameworks, two results. Love and fear. Love and fear.
“Primatologist Signe Preuschoft traces the smile back over 30 million years of evolution to a “fear grin” stemming from monkeys and apes, who often used barely clenched teeth to portray to predators that they were harmless or to signal submission to more dominant group members. The smile may have evolved differently among species, especially among humans.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smile
Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas born Oct 27, 1914, died Nov 9, 1953, in NYC at the age of 39.
Famous for the line “do not go gentle into that good night“, Thomas described himself as a “roistering, drunken and doomed poet“. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dylan_Thomas)
Considered one of the great English language modern poets of the 20th Century, Thomas developed and maintained his popularity through his radio recordings.
His poetic style was suggested to be influenced by Gerard Manley Hopkins, Thomas Hardy, James Joyce, D. H. Lawrence among others. Dylan Thomas responded that his greatest influence was Mother Goose:
“I should say I wanted to write poetry in the beginning because I had fallen in love with words. The first poems I knew were nursery rhymes and before I could read them for myself I had come to love the words of them. The words alone. What the words stood for was of a very secondary importance … I fell in love, that is the only expression I can think of, at once, and am still at the mercy of words, though sometimes now, knowing a little of their behaviour very well, I think I can influence them slightly and have even learned to beat them now and then, which they appear to enjoy. I tumbled for words at once. And, when I began to read the nursery rhymes for myself, and, later, to read other verses and ballads, I knew that I had discovered the most important things, to me, that could be ever.” Myers, Jack; Wukasch, Don (2003). Dictionary of Poetic Terms. University of North Texas Press, U.S. ISBN978-1-57441-166-9.
Unfortunately, the talented Dylan Thomas died far too early from advanced bronchopneumonia disguised by excessive drinking. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dylan_Thomas)
Here is today’s homage haiku: Happy Birthday Dylan Thomas
Such a silly goose
no ugly duckling you – drink,
drank, drunk, dreary death
The White Horse Tavern in New York City, where Thomas was drinking shortly before his death.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is the only art museum in the United States open 365 days a year with free general admission. For additional information, visitwww.VMFA.museum.
I will share more in the days to come.
In the meantime, here is today’s haiku: Storied Strings
Pluck, slide or strum it
fingerpick, if you prefer –
music anywhere
Astronaut Chris Hadfield records first song in space @ the Verge
“Close friend Steve Seabolt, who was with Randy during his final moments noted that his ‘trademark wit and intellect were intact.’ At the end, as Dr. Pausch’s body was clearly failing, Mr. Seabolt said he told his friend, ‘It’s important for you to feel like you can let go. It’s okay.’
Four years ago, automaker Subaru and the ASPCA teamed up to establish National Make a Dog’s Day. As the promotors explain:
“Dogs are now an integral part of our lives for most of us. They are among the most popular, misused, and underappreciated pets worldwide. A dog is intelligent, can follow instructions, and will stay loyal until the end. National Make a Dog’s Day is about spending time with our dogs and encouraging people to provide better conditions for all dogs. We must make sure that every dog has a forever home.” https://nationaltoday.com/national-make-a-dogs-day/
“How can you tell if a dog is happy? A high and waggy tail, floppy ears, relaxed body, playfulness, etc., are a few signs that the dog is happy.” Check out https://nationaltoday.com/national-make-a-dogs-day/
Life Matters 
