In the morning, early in the morning,
far too early in the morning,
I rise and stumble toward the bathroom,
the vista out my window catches my attention;
I pause to watch the sun dance in shades of red
on the buildings of Morningside Heights,
calling to mind the mesas on the Colorado Plateau.
For the longest time I stand,
feeding my spirit on the city canyons' beauty.
17 September 2011
Shire on the Hudson
Showing posts with label New York City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York City. Show all posts
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Still 117
Riding up in the elevator today with someone I had not seen in a while, and the conversation went like this:
Did you make it through Hurricane Irene, OK?
I did fine. I was in Oklahoma.
That's one way to avoid it.
They had lots of coverage. I watched.
How was Oklahoma?
It was good. Well, it was hot. 117 degrees.
117? (image a sense of amazement and wonder in the tone of voice)
Yes. But it wasn't so bad. It was a dry heat. Not humid like here.
At this point, the elevator reached his floor. Now I realize that humidity matters. Matters a great deal. One of the things I like about northern New Mexico is the lower humidity. But . . . so as he left the car, I said:
But 117 is still 117.
(laughing) 117 is still 117.
Enjoying cooler weather and hoping it continues!
See you along the Trail.
Did you make it through Hurricane Irene, OK?
I did fine. I was in Oklahoma.
That's one way to avoid it.
They had lots of coverage. I watched.
How was Oklahoma?
It was good. Well, it was hot. 117 degrees.
117? (image a sense of amazement and wonder in the tone of voice)
Yes. But it wasn't so bad. It was a dry heat. Not humid like here.
At this point, the elevator reached his floor. Now I realize that humidity matters. Matters a great deal. One of the things I like about northern New Mexico is the lower humidity. But . . . so as he left the car, I said:
But 117 is still 117.
(laughing) 117 is still 117.
Enjoying cooler weather and hoping it continues!
See you along the Trail.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Train to DC
Sometimes the Trail
we travel by rail.
I Amtraked today from NYC to DC
second time I took the train
a pleasant experience
of course it would have been far more pleasant
had the day not started at 3:00 in the blessed A.M.
Photo - near Newberg, OR
October, 2009
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Unfinished
In the St. James Presbyterian Church office,
under the gaze of the Rev. Dr. Lenton Gunn,
who had served on the Advisory Committee of the
Presbyterian Hunger Program at the same time I did,
a parallel of timing occurred to me:
in early October 2000, I moved to Louisville
and so had been there for not quite a year
when on a crisp, bright, blue, beautiful New York day,
the attacks of September 11, 2001 took place,
in early October 2010, I moved to Manhattan
and so had been here for not quite a year
when on a crisp, bright, blue, beautiful New York day,
the city, the country, the world
remembered the attacks for the tenth time.
What to make of this? I know not.
I note the parallel, but my understanding remains
unfinished.
11 September 2011
St. James Presbyterian Church
Shire on the Hudson
under the gaze of the Rev. Dr. Lenton Gunn,
who had served on the Advisory Committee of the
Presbyterian Hunger Program at the same time I did,
a parallel of timing occurred to me:
in early October 2000, I moved to Louisville
and so had been there for not quite a year
when on a crisp, bright, blue, beautiful New York day,
the attacks of September 11, 2001 took place,
in early October 2010, I moved to Manhattan
and so had been here for not quite a year
when on a crisp, bright, blue, beautiful New York day,
the city, the country, the world
remembered the attacks for the tenth time.
What to make of this? I know not.
I note the parallel, but my understanding remains
unfinished.
11 September 2011
St. James Presbyterian Church
Shire on the Hudson
Saturday, September 10, 2011
God's Tears II
A couple of days ago, a conversation led me to reflect on rain as the tears of God. A friend said that his mother had told him the rain is God's tears.
I took the approach of God weeping over the pain we inflict on each other - the ways we hurt one another - the damage we do. The ways we treat each other certainly grieves God sorely. Indeed, it seems that God could weep eternally over ways we violate God's children. Sorrow, pain, grief, rage, all produce tears.
In response to my reflection, my friend Grace posed a simple question: "Are there ever tears of joy?"
I suspect that the events I was dealing with last week narrowed my vision and limited my thinking. Many things touch our hearts, minds, spirits, souls. The beauty of the world may make us weep. The wonder of love may cause us to cry. Amazing grace, incredible courage, profound sacrifice, all may elicit tears.
Tears of joy? Absolutely. Every day. Thanks be to God.
See you along the Trail.
I took the approach of God weeping over the pain we inflict on each other - the ways we hurt one another - the damage we do. The ways we treat each other certainly grieves God sorely. Indeed, it seems that God could weep eternally over ways we violate God's children. Sorrow, pain, grief, rage, all produce tears.
In response to my reflection, my friend Grace posed a simple question: "Are there ever tears of joy?"
I suspect that the events I was dealing with last week narrowed my vision and limited my thinking. Many things touch our hearts, minds, spirits, souls. The beauty of the world may make us weep. The wonder of love may cause us to cry. Amazing grace, incredible courage, profound sacrifice, all may elicit tears.
Tears of joy? Absolutely. Every day. Thanks be to God.
See you along the Trail.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
God's Tears
Something different happened when I left the office tonight. Well at least different from the previous two nights.
It was not raining. I simply note that. I am not complaining about the rain.
Places are desperate for rain. Children of God are dying, in part because of drought.
The simple reality is that for last two nights I and many other New Yorkers have made our ways home in the rain; others have endured the rain because they had to work or because they had no place to take shelter.
Tonight, it was overcast and damp when I stepped outside. But not precipitating.
This led to an interesting conversation:
When I was a child, I used to believe that the rain was God crying. That's what my mother said. And I believed her.
Maybe, I said. We certainly give God enough reasons to cry. Look at how we treat each other, what we do to each other.
We do. We do.
We bid each other good-bye and I headed on toward the train.
And then the obvious flaw in that idea occurred to me:
If raindrops are God's tears, it would never stop raining.
See you along the Trail.
It was not raining. I simply note that. I am not complaining about the rain.
Places are desperate for rain. Children of God are dying, in part because of drought.
The simple reality is that for last two nights I and many other New Yorkers have made our ways home in the rain; others have endured the rain because they had to work or because they had no place to take shelter.
Tonight, it was overcast and damp when I stepped outside. But not precipitating.
This led to an interesting conversation:
When I was a child, I used to believe that the rain was God crying. That's what my mother said. And I believed her.
Maybe, I said. We certainly give God enough reasons to cry. Look at how we treat each other, what we do to each other.
We do. We do.
We bid each other good-bye and I headed on toward the train.
And then the obvious flaw in that idea occurred to me:
If raindrops are God's tears, it would never stop raining.
See you along the Trail.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Processing
In therapist's office,
you talk through bad times;
on found scraps of paper
I scribble poor rhymes.
6 September 2011
Downtown 1 Train
you talk through bad times;
on found scraps of paper
I scribble poor rhymes.
6 September 2011
Downtown 1 Train
Monday, September 5, 2011
Finally back to the gym
The past
can haunt us,
inspire us,
live within us,
shape us,
guide us,
influence us,
come out in our lives at times
and in ways that we never expect.
The past
may not even exist,
at least at times,
according to Faulkner; "the past is never dead;
it's not even past."
The past:
remember - never forget?
let bygones be bygones?
The past:
repress,
confess,
address,
suppress,
profess,
possess,
regress,
express,
invest,
protest,
digest?
The past
has seen me try
and come up short; and yet,
despite the past,
in spite of the past,
because of the past
I try again.
I try again.
5 September 2011
on the way to the gym
Shire on the Hudson
can haunt us,
inspire us,
live within us,
shape us,
guide us,
influence us,
come out in our lives at times
and in ways that we never expect.
The past
may not even exist,
at least at times,
according to Faulkner; "the past is never dead;
it's not even past."
The past:
remember - never forget?
let bygones be bygones?
The past:
repress,
confess,
address,
suppress,
profess,
possess,
regress,
express,
invest,
protest,
digest?
The past
has seen me try
and come up short; and yet,
despite the past,
in spite of the past,
because of the past
I try again.
I try again.
5 September 2011
on the way to the gym
Shire on the Hudson
Friday, September 2, 2011
Storm sentinel
During the recent visit of Hurricane Irene
to New York and
the Shire on the Hudson,
one of the possible outcomes was
the loss of power.
Contemplating this possibility,
it seemed a good thing to have
one light that would be left in the on position
should the power go off
so that it would come on
providing a reminder that the power had been restored.
This night light was what chosen.
When I fell asleep it was lit;
when I awoke it was lit.
Faithful sentinel of the storm.
2 September 2011
Shire on the Hudson
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Encounter at 72nd
The train jerked to as stop as it
entered the 72nd Street station.
He prepared to stand,
our eyes met for a New York instant.
I smiled reflexively,
he looked back perplexedly.
Averting his eyes,
he gripped the pole,
pulled himself to his feet,
and left the car.
31 August 2011
Shire on the Hudson
entered the 72nd Street station.
He prepared to stand,
our eyes met for a New York instant.
I smiled reflexively,
he looked back perplexedly.
Averting his eyes,
he gripped the pole,
pulled himself to his feet,
and left the car.
31 August 2011
Shire on the Hudson
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Storm
A search for "Storm" in the song title brought the following playlist on my iPod. Clearly the timing on some of them makes a difference to a true playlist. This is simply an alphabetical list.
After the Storm - Bill Miller
The Great Storm Is Over - John McCutcheon
The Lightning Storm - Flogging Molly
Orphan of the Storm - Black 47
Riders on the Storm - The Doors
Shelter from the Storm - Bob Dylan
Singer in the Storm - Holly Near
A Storm Is Coming - The Return of the King
Storms in Africa - Enya
Weather out the Storm - Figgy Duff
See you along the Trail
After the Storm - Bill Miller
The Great Storm Is Over - John McCutcheon
The Lightning Storm - Flogging Molly
Orphan of the Storm - Black 47
Riders on the Storm - The Doors
Shelter from the Storm - Bob Dylan
Singer in the Storm - Holly Near
A Storm Is Coming - The Return of the King
Storms in Africa - Enya
Weather out the Storm - Figgy Duff
See you along the Trail
Privileged waiting
Irene approaches.
Hurricane?
Tropical storm?
Whatever.
Irene approaches.
I prepare.
Purchase supplies
Straighten the apartment.
Move and position items.
I prepare.
I wait.
Contacting family and friends.
Tweeting, posting.
Pacing, writing.
I wait.
And the waiting reminds
of the privileges that are mine.
I could have left,
friends would host me,
I chose to stay.
Unlike some whose circumstances
limit their choices,
options were mine.
Unlike some whose choice
was taken away:
New York has not
abandoned me,
devalued me
left me behind
on a landfill-created island
because of what I have done,
what I have been accused of doing,
or where I work,
options were mine.
I chose to stay.
I have a place, a solid place,
a roof above,
walls around;
I have funds to buy supplies;
water, flashlights, candles,
food that needs no cooking.
I have so much,
and others have but little,
still others none at all.
I wait.
And the waiting reminds me
of the privileges that are mine.
I wait.
And I wonder,
after the waiting,
what I will do differently
with the privileges that are mine?
27 August 2011
Shire on the Hudson
Hurricane?
Tropical storm?
Whatever.
Irene approaches.
I prepare.
Purchase supplies
Straighten the apartment.
Move and position items.
I prepare.
I wait.
Contacting family and friends.
Tweeting, posting.
Pacing, writing.
I wait.
And the waiting reminds
of the privileges that are mine.
I could have left,
friends would host me,
I chose to stay.
Unlike some whose circumstances
limit their choices,
options were mine.
Unlike some whose choice
was taken away:
New York has not
abandoned me,
devalued me
left me behind
on a landfill-created island
because of what I have done,
what I have been accused of doing,
or where I work,
options were mine.
I chose to stay.
I have a place, a solid place,
a roof above,
walls around;
I have funds to buy supplies;
water, flashlights, candles,
food that needs no cooking.
I have so much,
and others have but little,
still others none at all.
I wait.
And the waiting reminds me
of the privileges that are mine.
I wait.
And I wonder,
after the waiting,
what I will do differently
with the privileges that are mine?
27 August 2011
Shire on the Hudson
96th street station before Irene
Not sure when I took this one - might have been back in July on my way home from preaching at Church of the Covenant. It seems appropriate to post this one tonight. Tomorrow around noon the MTA is suspending service in anticipation of Hurricane Irene - or Tropical Storm Irene - or whatever may come our way.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Ribbons of Hope
I was in Louisville on September 11, 2001. I had just returned from the World Conference against Racism. A friend flew into town from the same conference - scheduled to arrive on the evening of September 10. Because of flight issues, my friend ended up taking a taxi from Cincinnati that arrived at the Louisville airport early on the morning of September 11. A phone call from another friend later that morning brought me the first word of the day's event. It was a dazed day, even at that distance. In many ways, I continue to sort through the day and its meaning.Now as the 10th Anniversary approaches, I find myself living in New York. The proximity fills the day with new meanings that lead me to ponder more deeply and work through in new ways.
I have not been to the World Trade Center site yet. Ever. I plan to take part in the events commemorating September 11 including the worship service of the Presbytery of New York City. I think I will go to the site before September 11.
I have helped the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) gather resources for the anniversary. I have promoted the work of Prepare New York.
Today, in a worship service at the Church Center for the United Nations led by the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, we adapted a liturgy from the National Council of Churches created by written by the Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner and the Rev. Jon Brown. In the places where the services suggested lighting candles, we invited people to write prayers of remembrance, comfort and hope on simple red ribbons. Ryan Smith read scripture; Peng Leong led the time of prayer; Kevin O'Hara from the Lutheran Office for World Community led the benediction. Thanks to all my friends who helped me pick a song!
These ribbons will become part of the Ribbons of Hope display in Battery Park on the weekend of Septmbe 11, 2011.
To paraphrase the blessing from the liturgy:
May memory now reside in us at peace. May comfort companion us in all our days. May hope spring forth in us by the power of the Holy Spirit. May we serve God in all that you do and say, witnessing to the reign and realm of God to come. Amen.
See you along the Trail.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Span
some rivers we ford,
some rivers we span.
1 April 2011
Queensboro Bridge
New York City
Weather on the trail
rain
sleet
hail
snow
all forms of weather
greet us on the trail
21 February 2011
New York City
Buses and the trail
go round
and round
taking us
along the trail.
6 November 2010
New York City
Sailing on the trail
driven by engines,
riding on the wind,
boats take us along the trail.
November 6, 2010
from the
Staten Island Ferry
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Ribbons proclaim hope on September 11
Today I sent a 9-11 "Ribbon of Hope" to Ground Zero to mark the tenth anniversary of September 11. I used the online option.
To commemorate the anniversary, Prepare New York and partner groups are sponsoring the Ribbons of Hope project. People are invited to bring a ribbon to Battery Park in New York City between the hours of noon on Friday, September 9 and dusk on Sunday, September 11. On the ribbon, write a thought or prayer or hope for the healing of the city and for the whole world. In Battery Park, ribbons of all colors, shapes, sizes and textures will be joined to form a large tapestry symbolic of the marvelous mosaic that is New York.
How can I participate?
Individuals, families, groups and organizations can gather ribbons in neighborhood settings, in clubs and congregations and can then designate a messenger to come to lower Manhattan and afix the ribbons to the tapestry. People of all ages can participate. There is no fixed size or shape or width or length. The diversity of ribbons received is a large part of the point. This walk of healing to downtown Manhattan is symbolic in that it reverses the fear-filled path that so many experienced as they fled Ground Zero a decade ago.
I don't live in New York, how can I participate?
People from across the country and around the world are invited to also collect ribbons in the weeks leading up to 9/11 and send them to Intersections International. They will be included in the tapestry as well. Send ribbons to:
Intersections International
274 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Be sure they arrive at Intersections by September 7. Include your name and contact information, the name of your organization and any interesting story about making your ribbons that you’d like to share with others.
You can also participate by "sending" ribbons online through Groundswell.
Find additional ideas for observing the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001.
See you along the Trail.
To commemorate the anniversary, Prepare New York and partner groups are sponsoring the Ribbons of Hope project. People are invited to bring a ribbon to Battery Park in New York City between the hours of noon on Friday, September 9 and dusk on Sunday, September 11. On the ribbon, write a thought or prayer or hope for the healing of the city and for the whole world. In Battery Park, ribbons of all colors, shapes, sizes and textures will be joined to form a large tapestry symbolic of the marvelous mosaic that is New York.
How can I participate?
Individuals, families, groups and organizations can gather ribbons in neighborhood settings, in clubs and congregations and can then designate a messenger to come to lower Manhattan and afix the ribbons to the tapestry. People of all ages can participate. There is no fixed size or shape or width or length. The diversity of ribbons received is a large part of the point. This walk of healing to downtown Manhattan is symbolic in that it reverses the fear-filled path that so many experienced as they fled Ground Zero a decade ago.
I don't live in New York, how can I participate?
People from across the country and around the world are invited to also collect ribbons in the weeks leading up to 9/11 and send them to Intersections International. They will be included in the tapestry as well. Send ribbons to:
Intersections International
274 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Be sure they arrive at Intersections by September 7. Include your name and contact information, the name of your organization and any interesting story about making your ribbons that you’d like to share with others.
You can also participate by "sending" ribbons online through Groundswell.
Find additional ideas for observing the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001.
See you along the Trail.
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