Winter is leaving, and
The goldfinches are singing
The sun’s invitation.
We embrace its warmth with joy,
But Winter and Spring are playful foes.
Tug of war or teeter-totter?
Mother Nature sets the scene.
.
Crystal chandeliers
Adorned with pendants and pearls
Spider webs of ice.
It’s Mother Nature’s spotlight,
Her first performance of spring.
It is easy to be content when one is looking at the world from a warm, comfortable home, but for the past three weeks I have not been content.
I believe in the right to lawful protest but not the way it was done in Ottawa. I believe in personal choice and that, with each decision, we accept the consequences of our decision. If I do not like the consequences, I reassess my decision and either change it or accept the consequences. I do not ignore scientific information, and I do not try to “change the world” so my decisions have no consequences.
For the past three weeks, I have watched the misnamed ‘Freedom Convoy’ negatively impact the rights of Ottawa citizens and businesses and the rights of people clear across the country. I have watched my country become divided and angry. Now the Ottawa Occupation may be over, but a dangerous, angry seed has been planted. I fear the fruit it will be bear.
I was upset by what I saw and read and by supporters whose perception of freedom contradicted mine. I made the decision to not respond to their distortions on Facebook, because I was afraid of a backlash and being drawn into a debate by persons who wanted me to listen to them but would not take my words seriously. I was afraid of their anger and thought “what good would it do anyway.”
I am now reassessing that decision, because I do not like the potential consequences of silence. I am uncomfortable because silence is a betrayal of my heritage. My maternal grandfather was a Jew in Occupied Holland. My father chose to join the Canadian Forces and fought for freedom and the Liberation of Holland. I was brought up believing that we make decisions for the greater good. My definition of freedom is influenced by the past, and it is in conflict with the protestors’ use of the word.
I felt my views being drowned out by noise and values contrary to mine, and I need to emphasize that my silence is not my consent.
I have always looked out my window and found my comfort in nature.
This week, however, what I saw from my window reflected my unease. Or maybe my anxiety is impacting how I see things
The pileated woodpecker chose an unexpected perch high in a poplar tree. His head never stopped as he scanned every direction.
The deer were more vigilant than usual, alert for any danger.
Even the squirrel looked worried.
Canada has been shaken by the pandemic. We have been standing together to reduce infection, to reduce hospitalizations and deaths and to protect our families.
Yes, we are all tired, but I don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater. I do not want a rowdy crowd to speak for my country.
This week we are still surrounded by a lot of negativity, but there are also bubbles of joy. We must choose where to seek our energy.
Facebook presents both, but there is one pop-up that always lightens my heart. The simple artwork and wisdom of Charlie Mackesy always strike a chord, and the world becomes a brighter place.
It has been a difficult winter, but Charlie Mackesy’s words reminded me of my inner strength.
It reflected my world, just a few steps from my house.
Winter, with its own beauty and its own inner strength.
Faith that spring will come
Life in bubbles of safety
The subnivean zone
Poem by Rose Burke
Image from Parks Canada
On Canada Day I pause to reflect on the bounty we enjoy every day, the joy of family and the beauty of nature. Except for the moose and the burst of fireworks, every picture was taken in my own yard. I am proud of my country and all it represents. Happy Canada Day everyone.
Paths Taken 