f/k/a archives . . . real opinions & real haiku

Whether or not you agree with his religious catechism or politics, no one can deny the “popevigil”

worldwide love and respect for John Paul II, his impact across the globe, and his

historic importance.

 

Of course, we all — from Cafeteria Catholics in American suburbs, to their conservative

brothers and sisters, to our cherry-picking-popist President — take what we want from

John Paul II’s message.  [“popist”? — a fan of the popstar pope]

 

  It seems to me that John Paul is indeed like a beloved Father — much of what he

says rings true for all time; much seems hopelessly outdated and benighted; and much may

seem wiser as we grow older.  The disagreements don’t change the love and the loss

on his passing — nor the fact that those left behind must still find and forge their own path.

 

 

 

“Get ready, get ready
for death!”
cherry blossoms

 

 

 

 

 

 

timing his death
extremely well…
the Buddha

 

–  from Kobayashi Issa,

translated by David G. Lanoue

 

My Old Man

      (words and music by Rosanne Cash, c Atlantic Records)

The old man’s laughing tonight
He’s young beyond his fears
But then the smile drops from his eyes
And we all wind up in tears

The old man’s crying tonight
‘Cause it all happened so fast
He’s frightened by the future
Embarassed by the past

So let him be who he wants to be
‘Cause he ain’t ever gonna be young again
And let him see who he needs to see
‘Cause he never had too many friends
And ask him how he remembers me
‘Cause I want to know where I stand
How I love my old man

The old man’s lonesome tonight
Just trying to kill his pain
He believes what he says he believes
But that don’t make him a saint

The old man’s lonesome tonight
And he just wants to go home
All those fools who stand in his way
Why can’t they leave us alone

So let him be who he wants to be
‘Cause he ain’t ever gonna be young again
And let him see who he needs to see
‘Cause he never had too many friends
And ask him how he remembers me
‘Cause I want to know where I stand
How I love my old man