Give up? What is this title all about? It is about an old woman who despite having very negative, pessimistic thoughts re the state of the world and its probable future, there remains inside somewhere another person. This person is the one who refuses to concede defeat. Who refuses to admit that the apparition in the mirror is not her mom, come down a'visitin', always welcome, but still! Though almost always waving a hand in greeting and saying, "Hi, Ma", I know that 'she' is me.
This morning, after a night full of dreams, pleasant and not, as usual, I thought about who I am. Have I really, actually, for all time -such as remains - given up, conceded defeat to the evil forces of the world? Have I been convinced past the point of no return that humankind has forgotten the two parts of that word: human and kind.
Exactly when did that division take place? Was it a sudden turn, a gradual turn, or of combinational factors? A laziness or an intentional turn, fated to happen or cemented into place by the failings of humanity, a willful abandonment of the better part of humanity and discarded kindness as an outmoded trait worthless in the temper of the times? Do we, can we, even recall the meaning and gestures of being human, of being kind?
Well, do not look to me for reassurance, as I call the truth as I see it, though some complain. For an example, my referral to the Hamas creatures who romped one Saturday morning into 30 quiet, dovish communities, having such a wonderful game of catch and destroy, nab and abuse, rape, murder, burn, torture, kidnap - hey, whatever floated one's boat. So rich were the takings and possibilities, how could they refuse, to actually go somewhat overboard in their personification of animalistic bestial behavior?
Animals they were, and animals they were called. Until the self-appointed self-designated consciences of the world deemed the terminology incorrect. No, these were humans who needed release from tension. They went somewhat astray, but after all, ... So, the entire dialect and focus, the directions, began to take on different colors and goals. The victims of this brutality, unseen since the Holocaust, became yet another mass killing of Jews, a smaller Baba Yar.
The victims were merely Jewish, Israeli Jews at that, so much more satisfying to the animals with human skin. These aggressors, almost immediately, were granted excuse notes for their behavior, tsked, tsked a few times and quickly became the 'victims' of an aggressive offensive war waged upon the innocents of Gaza by the ruthless Israelis who grieved so much for so few. Suck it up, as usual, was the new refrain. Let it pass. Take comfort in the hugs and kisses, in the tears, in the false reassurances that we had no need to worry about our 'sixes', for they were covered - until they were not so any longer.
Never mind that warfare is waged where the enemy is. If civilians, such as they are, are tasked to run errands, to be used as shields, willingly, as cannon fodder even as their masters cower in the luxury of Qatar or hide in the deep tunnels below. However, these oh so not innocent civilians were the ones who poured into Israel after or with the initial attack, sharing in the free joy of murder and abuse, of rape and torture, of showing off their personal captives, parading them, dead and half alive, clothed or not, to the roars of approval of those 'innocent' bystanders. Think of the shared wealth to follow - clothing, money, toys, cars and tractors, books, bedding, food. Whatever caught their fancy.
In an expected turn, the world turned viciously upon Jews all around the world. The crime of being Jewish is apparently to be found in every nook and corner. It is easily to be successfully prosecuted as the entire world now joins in as the sound of Tally-Ho! rings in the air. The hounds are baying with the monsters following. Fangs dripping, talons and claws extended, no holds barred, for the world openly acquiesces in the slaughter, hide it though they might try.
Yet another time for the world to ignore the vast number of countries whose citizens are hungry, under siege, attacked, in deep peril, but no, it is The War Against the Jews again.
So, in this world of topsy turvy priorities and threat, is one old lady and her doubts, her wishes of any import? Is it worth the effort to keep that hidden stubborn idealist and optimist of 18 around, vital? Who takes priority - the old lady in the mirror or the younger woman still champing at the bit, trying to emulate the devotion of a Don Quixote to right wrongs and better the world?
Can I have an effect? Can you? Can we all?
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Yitzy, these times are troubling and challenging. So very hard to keep up hope in this cruel world. Is it worth an effort?
Aha, the title?
Izzy singing his beautiful combo of Over the Rainbow and What a Beautiful World.
Satchmo playing his iconic version on his horn, along with his wonderful rasping voice.
Judy with her plaintive Over the Rainbow.
We can find inspiration, if we try, if we want to, if we have the courage to.
Yitzy, forgive me these postings, but you are always with me, heart, soul, every atom within. Sleep tight, play hard, laugh and sing.
Always in my thoughts. Always in my heart.
Always and forever. Always and forever.
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