Truck-Mounted Milk Catapult

And so life goes on. I came across an interesting article, calling Buddhists to task about activism and compassion. It's easy to talk about being compassionate, but to really get out there and do something is another matter entirely. The article focused also on activism and protesting, and how Buddhists tend to avoid these types of things as a whole. And in many ways, this is true. The point the writer makes is that protesting and activism is "anti"-something, and kind of creates an us-and-them mentality. I'm reminded of that sage of the funny pages, Pogo-"We have seen the enemy, and he is us." But if someone has an idea that they think will work better, they should bring it into the public forum to both get new perspectives and feedback on it. It's easy to get really angry, both on an individual and social level, and there's a place for that too- this can create the motivation for change and further development. But simply being angry is not enough. If this anger can promote new ideas and development, and motivate us to right wrongs, then it is a useful force indeed. If it results in vengeance and violence, it may not be the best course of action. If we protest a wrong, we should avoid creating a wrong ourselves. I can recall the protests in NYC prior to the invasion of Iraq. There were a lot of really angry people there, but also a lot of ideas. And in this day and age, I think it's ideas that will make or break the world. So that's all from the soapbox tonight.

On the Streets of Providence

Well, this isn't so bad,

stalking the streets of Providence

Compelled to return by the

stark fist grinding

ceaselessly

Against the rusted metal soul

This isn't so bad, but

wait till the Devil comes by in

his motorboat-

Bird implies flight,

thoughts of the key lead

to knowledge of the jail, and

I am free again, to

spin the painted wheels,

In time growing weary from

Keeping their constant motion

Hands blistered from constant wear-

Regardez moi, je suis le bateleur

settled, grounded, rooted

The streets become my world,

Tonight is mine alone.