*This is dedicated to our brother in trouble, BFSkinner , and also to victims of war, terrorism, violence and illness, refugees from any nation, the desperate, the poor and all who suffer in this world.
“Be not inhospitable to strangers, lest they be angels in disguise.”
Sometimes the beauty of this world is enough to make you cry.
And sometimes it's so bloody sad it can make you want to die.
Wear your love like heaven for all the angels in disguise.
Fill your hearts with tender mercy.
Be loving, kind and wise.
I've been wondering when or whether to post this little illustrated poem. It's not great art and maybe doesn't merit the attention of the readership at Daily Kos. What place do art and poetry have in politics? In the rough and tumble world of national and global events? With so much to care about and be concerned with, with so many important things going on in the world, within the context of the decline and fall of western civilization, does art really matter? Is beauty in any way, to any degree, redemptive?
Of course I'm biased in favor of art. I believe it has significant and real power: power to calm us, to open us up, and, at its best, to transform us in profound ways.
Personally, I sometimes find refuge in art or poetry. When I'm feeling overwhelmed it centers me. When the worries of the world are too much with me it transports me. When the sorrow is too much it comforts me. When anger and frustration threaten it reminds me of my own and our shared humanity and of the enormous power of that. In my view, at its best, art is magic, transformative, transcendent, pure grace.
So, as I was pondering whether or not to post this modest bit of art, I became aware of a brother in need and decided to post it in his honor and turn it into an opportunity to try and help him out. Helping needs no justification.
We all know BFSkinner . He's been around these parts for a long time and is well known and well loved by the community regulars. Many of us are aware of his serious and multiple health challenges, not to mention the attendant financial burden.
With his permission, I'm posting an earlier kosmail from him. It lays out the situation and contains links for anyone who wants to catch up on what's going on with him.
Wed Nov 18, 2015 at 12:42 PM EST
Here are some of the most recent urls:
Basically I have emophysema, diabetes, epilepsy, crohn's diease, been hospitalized abot 8 times since April, have bills coming up the wazoo (medical, student loan, etc) and finally have a ray of hope my hearing for disability is Jan 12 I am worried about surviving until then. To do so I need about 2000 (to cover expenses for the rest of this month, and December and Jan until the hearing) or else not sure what I am going to do.
Any help or assistance would be appreciated
HUGS!
His PayPal address is houstonbfskinner at netscape dot net
And here's his GoFundMe page.
We are at our best when we are helping others. Our friend and brother, BFSkinner is in deep trouble. This is a grand opportunity to provide meaningful help where it is truly needed. I appreciate your kind attention and I am asking you to please solemnly reflect on BFSkinner's desperate need and dire circumstances. Now is the time for this community to show its compassionate heart.
Thanks to everyone who pitches in to help. Thank you all for your kindness, compassion, human decency and generosity.
Namaste.