January 21st, 2010 The Bell Rings
Perhaps it is the curse of living in a northern climate, the long days without sunshine, the yellowing of pristine snow by the trails of salt trucks and human industry but I find myself hearing the bell ring for that dark tea time of the soul (to steal a phrase from Douglas Adams).
It tolls with the wounding, yet again, of the Canadian democratic process; marking the slow, not quick, death of a much maligned centuries old institution that once expressed, if not always upheld, the principles of a vocal opposition and responsible government. It sounds the death knell of traditions and practices once thought important, valuable, dare it be said, even sacred. It reverberates forcefully to those who hear it because it falls on the deaf ears of those who should and echoes in the silent response of those affected.
The discordant melody is amplified by the harmony on the street mixed with the hollow drone emanating from Copenhagen meeting rooms. The bitter refrain wafts across oceans and lands ravaged by the ceaseless chants of man versus nature, comfort over concern, words not action.
The bell peals louder yet with the shaking of the Haitian ground and vibrates through devastated streets and shattered human lives. It carries the familiar tune through the wasteland of New Orleans’ 9th Ward and cries, not, how could this happen but why is it allowed? The warning bells have sounded for so long, why are they never heard?
Around the globe the carillon clangs in a cacophony of ancient repetitive sour notes of war, poverty and violence. A thunderous melody that makes one want to cover ears and shut it out or, worse, answer the gong and dine in that dark parlor of despair.
And yet, even among that oppressive harsh tune sweet notes escape. Such subtle notes that one must listen closely for they are drowned out by the discordant caterwauling of avarice and greed. It is heard from a man, having lost his wife after 60 years – oh! so much more than a wife, an integral part of his very being – say quietly through profound grief, “Now I have to start my life over”. There is the rising swell of thousands saying this is not how governments, corporations, nations, people should operate. There is motivation even to one who shut the world out to stir in protest. In near and far off places venerable bells begin to chime, “The time is now for change”.
Perhaps it is with luck that living in a northern climate, I am reminded each year of the possibility of hope. For even on the most dismal days of a dreary January, I know that spring will come. The rains of April will wash the dirty snow away. The lifeless black branches will bud in soft greens, yellows and pinks. The sun will stream through those dark parlor windows and renew the soul. The bell will sound that “change is here”.
Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:10
January 21st, 2010 at 9:29 pm
What a deep first article, my friend. Thank you for sharing it. I'm not sure if it is focused more on faith or politics. Perhaps it should appear on http://www.reciprocalpolitics.com .
However, as someone said, politics is just relationship writ large; and since this site is all about relationship, I think it's a good fit.
You said – The warning bells have sounded for so long, why are they never heard? . I'm not sure that we "never hear." I have a feeling that it's more a matter that, hearing, we wonder why more isn't done sooner. CrazyHeart had a similar thought.
I doubt that the world has ever been a better position to effect real change. With a growing awareness that we are inextricably interconnected comes the opportunity to accept that we are, in reality, our "brothers' (and sisters') keeper."
I'd like to reflect more on your post and comment further later.
January 21st, 2010 at 9:29 pm
What a deep first article, my friend. Thank you for sharing it. I'm not sure if it is focused more on faith or politics. Perhaps it should appear on http://www.reciprocalpolitics.com .
However, as someone said, politics is just relationship writ large; and since this site is all about relationship, I think it's a good fit.
You said – The warning bells have sounded for so long, why are they never heard? . I'm not sure that we "never hear." I have a feeling that it's more a matter that, hearing, we wonder why more isn't done sooner. CrazyHeart had a similar thought.
I doubt that the world has ever been a better position to effect real change. With a growing awareness that we are inextricably interconnected comes the opportunity to accept that we are, in reality, our "brothers' (and sisters') keeper."
I'd like to reflect more on your post and comment further later.
January 21st, 2010 at 11:31 pm
Lots to think about here, LB.
I share your sense of despair. It fascinates me that never before in history has technology made available the despair experienced by some many for us to see, read, listen, etc.
Yet, despite this, most of us inhabit our own small world and ignore the plight of those outside our circle.
I can’t help feeling that there has to be a change in perception for us to realise that “the other” is “us”.
Perhaps then more will be achieved politically and on a personal level? I tend to think it’s not enough to believe we are all connected – we must experience it as well.
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Just read my above comment – and realise it needs editing. So, will try again!
It fascinates me, that never before in history, has technology made available to us to see, read, and listen to the plight of those who inhabit our world.
Yet, despite this, our world of concern seems to be decreasing, rather than increasing.
Once, people had conversations with strangers on buses – these days people talk on their mobiles to those that are part of their own small circle.
A certain amount of like seeking out like makes life more rewarding – but we should be vigilant about narrowing our field of concern.
More than ever,I can’t help feeling there has to be a change in perception for us to realise that “the other” is “us”. Perhaps then more will be achieved politically and on a personal level?
I tend to think it’s not enough to believe we are all connected – we must experience it as well to bring about this necessary change in perception.
January 23rd, 2010 at 1:16 pm
I have a lovely, although apparently too long, response to this. Will post when I figure out how
Today I march in protest and apparently Galatians is on my side – forecast is sunny and mild!
If you don't hear from me – send bail money