2025 Daily - 03/20/2025

So.   . Now at IAD in Washington DC. .. halfway to Lisbon. Uber ok and flight good. Now in a United lounge which was very very busy.   But clearing out now. I have five more hours here. Has one glass of red wine... Mainline brand. Not bad.   Actually good. Going now for another. Interesting.... They also offer whiskey and well drinks and of course beers.

On plane I was generally quiet..  I. Lounge talked to some folks 

Sitting across from??? Not Jane Goodal but someone who looks like her. And who's on her way to Africa.

2025 Daily - 03/19/2025

 Well . I did probably skip Wednesday the 19th .. as I had some meetings and prepped for trip. I do play piano and I did get packed 

2025 Daily - 03/18/2025

 Writing under the wire... It is 11:21PM... late and I am writing after just doing, finally, my piano... SO - all good meeting my daily quotas... Set by me, done by me, enjoyed!!! by me!!!

Today Nate came over and did some work... YEA!!! THANKS!!! He fixed a leak in toilet and affixed the Ring properly in the front door area... even wired it into the old house bell so now no more charging of the battery. AND - the grill will be fixed and a bunch of other things were listed which he will get to in April when I return from my trip. The fence door and maybe a patio cover thing (gazebo)... As well as perhaps flooring in the 2nd bath... w/tile and that might include the tub area. As those things get done the house will be better!! 

And I had a very good talk w/Philip to catch each other up. Bottom line -- lots of similar disfunctions in families... AND I am very fortunate to have been able to work on them with my daughters and we will see how good things may be... Always uncertainty!!! And having read the full email from Amy -- she IS going to be here at Passover!!!!!

I guess today was a big day ... as I look backwards..Saw Rachel in morning. Did some calls. Had lunch w/Syma at Crepeville.. ALL GOOD!!!

A thought for the day ... from talk w/Philip... Maturity is related, in my mind or was - to attachment. Mellow to Ignorance... And Aversion is related to both. Or was/is it maturity =- aversion .. and Attachment to both -- as attachment relates to grasping ... holding on.. to good and/or bad... 

I do have issues w/attachment... And being in and finding myself in .. THE MOMENT... is what I need to do more and more...

And Mothers ... for Philip and I and others?? are much of the "M" problem words!!! Interestingly.

And tomorrow is another day... I hope to workout in morning. Go to zoom class w/Rabbi Stein... and then Community Services Committee meeting. AND PACK... FINISH PACKING... FINALIZE PACKING for travel on Thursday morning.

And that is all folks!

2025 Daily - 03/17/2025

 It is early morning.... and I am also online zooming to CBS services. We are at page 16... and moving along.

My invites to some folks at CBS for Passover have been declined - previous plans (annual) and of course distance. AOK..

When might I do my 30 minutes of creative writing. I must say - as usual - I will do what is easiest for me and that is the 30 or more minutes of piano -- the non-creative activity which is productive and pleasurable. And besides - I am not necessarily creative! Oy...

Maybe more later... Big day today - Doctors, Sarah, Jim, maybe bereavement, and Chorus/chorale.

============================

on desktop - look for a doc titled: question_ingS - that is something I will consider a bit ...now as I am in service!

2025 Daily - 03/16/2025

 Today... pretty nice day - good workout, piano nice, talk w/Sheera ... etc.. etc..

And food somewhat limited... I want to keep that A1C going down. 

Last night I went and listened to poetry by Rumi's Caravan... Not too bad. Got the idea that suffering because/with others who suffer is not necessary. It may also not honor those who suffer. It is important for each of us to be mindful of our moments and remember/think of others but not get depressed... It is an interesting position to take. We be happy and others may aspire to that if/when they can... I guess. I am not sure of the logic but the point seems to be as noted.. be mindful and awake in my/our moments. Do not grasp but do not miss the good. The bad will also come and grasping either is not The Way.. And I've heard something like this before.

BTW -- mindfulness and inpermanence is clearly described in Ecclesiastes.. We have it in Judaism. In fact I would say relative to spirituality and all IS all within Judaism though often not known or understood. For us Jews it does depend on accepting - believing in... G-d. And today modern Jews often feel more agnostic and therefore sensing that which is Tangible. Tangible and observable and scientific... TODAY. In other words - once we observed G-d at Sinai and other things long ago... It is that WE haven't seen it... 

===================================

A new writing plan...:

What will I write … in 24 minutes. Today I will do that much – it is late (about 10:30pm) but in future I will set timer for 30 minutes… similarly to timer for piano.

Writing is creative. And piano is, shall I say, derivative. In other words piano is played, by me at this time, from sheet music. I guess I could copy writings and that would be derivative instead of creative…

I am not feeling very creative at the moment. I guess by setting a timer and being disciplined maybe that will help me. OR – I might try writing by hand with a pencil or pen. They… (they?) say handwriting things is different and has different effects than typing away as I am doing now…

I do have lots of essays and those dual-blogging entries I could go and work on. SO many were essentially drafts for which work was/is needed and they are a source of my personal creativity. And there is the document from the cruise, Dec. 2024, which is the basis for my autobiography or memoir. What is the difference?

My interests are about what I could write. Or… dare I say take some of my thoughts and try to shape them into a story .. in other words use a fictionalization to carry forth ideas, ideals, questions, concerns, etc…

SO THE PLAN IS.... write each day for a set amount of time ... AND it can be this blog ... or at least each day what is written will be referenced from this blog so it is not lost. In fact - THIS blog could be the "log" of writings... and the writing will be on some other blog and linked? maybe through the daily entries - or on this blog's main page. THE POINT -- a set amount of time to write ... and maybe a set time. Recently I have taken to playing/practicing piano first thing in the morning with one of my cups of coffee and before breakfast (as I wait for medications to establish themselves in my body...). INTERESTING IDEA... We shall give it a try for a few days before my trip when the piano practicing will be suspended but not necessarily the writing. In fact the writing could be THE THING... to do while traveling... A journal!

I must say here and now --- only about 15 minutes has gone by since I began this writing session which was set to go 24 minutes... a short trial and it is LONG!

I am stopping now... short time... Good night!

2025 Daily - 03/15/2025

 Early Saturday morning... I had some thoughts for Passover... so got up and wrote them down... in my One Document for Passover, 2025. Questions, lists (people, foods).... Getting ready.

More later today... maybe.

IT IS NOW .. LATER...

Just returned from listening to poetry .. Rumi Caravan ... a lot of Rumi and other poems...  Intent: get you to awake to the moment... Mindfulness. Spirituality... What I learned today -- do not suffer about the suffeirng...  That is old... in other words (actually serindipitously heard on radio coming home) ... All is temporary ... good and bad stuff... Don't hold on is the teaching i have heard before... However tonight -- respect the good and what you have that DELIGHTS... (not necessarily pleasure) because in experiencing delight you do not - you DO NOT disrespect those who are suffering... I guess - to each their own where they are when they are... And to help... that is ok, good... but to suffer along with those who suffer does not help.... Right?? I think so... I used to try to teach that... in another way ... the way I taiught it .. was get yourself settled and happy and THEN help those who are in need.... Different... but similar..???

Also today ... elsewhere thought - the negative gold rule and the positive golden rule... MAYBE I've been wrong...The negative I have said is easier.... but it distances you from the other... While the positive is harder to do well, right... but it connects you, brings you closer... AHHHHHhhhhhhh

2025 Daily - 03/14/2025

 Writing near the end of the day ... Friday. Went to Chabad Purim thing... ok...

Saw Harriet Gadisman there .. and Robin Weiner, too... And Jay and Andrew and lady w/an A, too. Sorelie is writing another book... about Dina... a complicated, not well documented person, who has a lot of relevance for today. She some years ago wrote a book about Esther.

Today finally decided to do something about the cyst on my thigh... It was lanced .. and hopefully all is/will be well. A Dr. Chang did it with a student as part of the work. A pretty good experience. It was nice to be gotten IN... I thought Dr. Chang was very very good. 

Well... that is all for now, today. I did play piano.... Saw Steve... 

OH,.. and plans for Passover progressing. There are guests coming including Susan Hildreth and AMY!!! Amy and I settled (a bit) on a air trip plan. Yesterday I came up with one but it was not ok relative to Amy's needs ... she wanted non-stops and now that is arranged. One is an overnight which is why I didn't offer it at first... But that is what is best for her anxieties relative the FAA layoffs, etc...

And got good news about blood tests... A1C is down to 7.6 - from 8.4 a year ago and PSA within normal range (3.7). YEA!!!!

2025 Daily - 03/13/2025 - day after

This is written late on Friday, the next day...

Thursday came and went.... No minyan - it was moved to Friday for Purim.. and there was a Purim Party that I went to in Walnut Creek... NICE... 

The day included a good workout after a good weigh-in the morning... And piano playing.. 

A thought yesterday... Stuff - including business... Is Top Down... and things should be Bottom Up...  It is the people on the bottom who do the necessary work for other people and the people at the top who manage the bottom, manage workloads, manage the resources... the money... whatever.  The folks at the top get the big pile of money and pass it on down... slowly but ???surely?? -- Trickle Down...  BUT if things trickle up ... I think things would be better!!! In so many ways and situations... To be continued and thought more about... 

2025 Daily - 03/12/2025

 It is bright? and early -- certainly early. Tariffs are all the news as are cuts, cuts, cuts... the dismantling of the US government. 

I saw a picture of the president .. in a smiling calm picture. I wonder if such a presentation would re-humanize the man and bring him down to earth... down to where he is not a king or dictator. Let pictures demonstrate how he doesn't care and is simply smiling, laughing at all of the citizens of the USA. Note: yesterday's blog entry is full of some important points... Now transfered to a DOC for additions, editing, making it better for reading.

More later... probably. Biggish day - I';m about to do my "aerobics" exercise, then a bathroom guy, then a rabbi class, then lunch w/Nancy.

Bye now....6:27am....

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2025 Daily - 03/11/2025

 It is early morning... Doing THIS first thing. Today is a light day - only appt is to see Rachel, etc. It is the time when the University Chorus is on hiatus between quarters...

I hope to take a walk today - at least to the club... in the early afternoon. And watch Anora which I have rented and have to watch soon. Do some prep for trip to Portugal -- medications, underwear?, cpap... and other stuff that can be done.

BUT what are the thoughts for the day??? The stock market is down, down, down....  No one in the Times has wondered out loud -- are the American Oligarchs enriching themselves by selling short or are they prepared to jump back into the market, etc. etc.. In other words - a falling market can create opportunities for the rich ... and some of the richest are part of a team creating world havoc w/tariffs. OY!

And who is prepared to challenge the current powers? Who stands to lose if they challenge. Who has made Devil's Bargains ... 

Here is a definition I think is correct:

"The phrase "Devil's bargain" refers to a situation where someone makes a deal or agreement that seems to offer significant benefits but ultimately comes with severe moral, ethical, or personal costs. It often implies a compromise of one's values or integrity for short-term gain, reminiscent of the mythological idea of selling one’s soul to the devil for power, wealth, or success."

At least for a while the rising stock market was a benefit. What other benefits were there in the first 50 or 60 days of the current administration? What will be the consequences?

\And noting the "devil" -- what about the coming of an anti-christ? There is something negative to think and say about someone who WANTS to be a leader or ASSERTS he/she is a leader, a god, a savior. I don't think Jesus asserted that in his time. Theology talks about the coming(S) of an anti-christ ... maybe followed by Christ or followed by ?????  Here is an AI description of the anti-christ:

"AI Overview

In Christianity, the Antichrist is a person who will oppose Jesus Christ and try to take his place before the Second Coming. The term appears in the New Testament in the First and Second Epistle of John.

Characteristics

1. The Antichrist will be a tyrant who will persecute Christians and Jews
2. The Antichrist will be a deceiver who will claim to be the Christ
3. The Antichrist will be the "man of sin" and the "beast from the earth"
4. The Antichrist will have the number 666 "

Number 2 and 3 are, to me, clearly applicable to our current president. One can wonder about number 4. As for number 1 ... well - watchout!!! There are white christians and black christians and persecution of some might be in the cards (and stars). As for Jews -- we are in one of the international centers of conflict and The Deal some of us may hope for is not a righteous deal. It includes irony (cleansing and The Holocaust are very linked... before The Holocaust Jews were, I think, "encouraged" to leave Germany and/or Europe!), hate, and fear. 

I often ask myself -- where are the brave in this home we call America!, the United States of America? Our national anthem may be criticised for being bellacose and yet we are now more at war in our homes than standing bravely against tyranny and greed. I believe our country has the capability to be The Good in The World ... that we once were or thought we were. Being good to ourselves first.. .yes - but only for ourselves is selfish and wrong (both ethically and politically - as isolation does not work!), and the time is always NOW. Wisdom literature tells us what is right and what is wrong. Death and destruction is not for us humans to decide to do and do... Only G-d really knows who deserves death, who deserves destruction... and who amongst us really knows the Will of G-d? Today that knowledge is from teachings of the past for Jews. We Jews no longer have prophets through whom G-d speaks. We are taught to follow certain rules and ways ... and in the post-biblical times we are taught to show lovingkindness and compassion to all people. The great Rabbi Hillel was asked and answered thusly when asked: "Whatever is hateful and distasteful to you, do not do to your fellow man. This is the entire Torah, the rest is commentary. Go learn." To me .. the Torah as commentary includes additional instructions and stories showing what is right AND what is wrong. There are things done and ways lived which while effective a long time ago are not the model for good behaviour now nor for most people ever. ONE "for instance" is the love shown by Isaac and Rebecca to their two sons, Jacob and Esau. Parental favoritism, especially when divided as with those to boys, is questionable at least and bad on the continuum of good vs bad. SO - the basic lesson is do not harm and then go learn about how harm might manifest itself... and then avoid doing harm as well as you can! Today in Gaza, etc ... the tit-for-tat stuff that is so destructive and deadly is a cycle that must be ended as it is, in my opinion, humble or otherwise, on the bad side of the continuum of good and bad. 

Enough for now... some of what is above will be published, I think, elsewhere... the newspaper or facebook or ??? 

now -- a second cup of coffee and the piano and breakfast and Rachel... (is now 3/11/25: 0830)

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Added... about 9:30am --- As I am thinking about Judaism and Israel... 

This is only bullet points... I have to leave so cannot fill in...

earliest religious recollections -- Grandmother Langer and me at Orthodox Synagogue - very nice, big, ornate... we were in women's section looking down on the men praying.. Light, airy... sunny!

earliest recollection about Isreal -- Hebrew school teacher telling us, first day, about Ashenazi pronunciation VS the Isreali pronunciation. Mrs. Abramovitz was Isreali but in the early 1950's - American prayed with Ashenazi pronunciation.

2025 Daily - 03/10/2025

 It is morning.... I'm at minyan and I hope to have lunch or something w/Nancy soon. News from CBH.

And today - a big day -- a couple of bathroom estimates expected, hopefully a visit to Jim, and anticipatory bereavement, and Davis Chorale. I might walk to and from Chorale. That would be a good thing to do and accomplish.

AND my thoughts must turn to Portugal and traveling there. I need to check emails from Trafalgar. Hopefully I haven't missed anything.

More...???

2025 Daily - 03/09/2025

 Well - it is a bit after 9pm as I write this... Just got words about CBH rabbinical leadership. 

Eariler - went to Raymond Carpenter's Gift of the Steins reception. Quite interesting and fun. Saw some people... was seen.... and the Dr. Fox of the brewing program was wonderful to listen to and learn from.

And earlier still I did a pretty good workout while watching how my knee felt. 

Watched a whole season?? of these shorts strung together about Stargate Origins .. on Prime. And did Piano... working, practiciing, repeat.... repeat ... repeat !!!!

Tomorrow is a big day - minyan, two bathroom guys... hopefully Jim.... and then bereavement program and Davis Chorale.

CHANGES to make ideas -- include?? - no undershirt? settle on a HAT..  This add to what I wrote -- somewhere -- a day or two ago.

I'm thinking: Re-invent -- or Invent .. myself... now or at last!

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there is an addendum being left in draft... a note to myself.. about rabbis and feelings... mine, personnally, privately -- at this at this time...

The change in rabbinical leadership at CBH is not an issue I can or should speak about.  My thoughts and feelings are complicated and unclear even to myself. What is essential is healing and compassion for myself and others.

2025 Daily - 03/08/2025

 it is now... about 9:30pm -- and I'm back from performing as part of the UC Davis Chorus. It was, I think, a very good concert... and here is a link to a recording - >>>>

There was a lot going on at the concert and I must view the recording myself since some things (the talks especially) were difficult to hear from the onstage seat I was in.... I was sitting next to Peyton -- who is great!!!!!

And serindipitously -- the pianist knew Hazzan Bernstein and there was a connection made .. and maybe a concert to go to in Sunyvale - in May... Interesting!!!!

I DO enjoy the chorus and the members and the music... WOW!

2025 Daily - 03/07/2025

 it is now almost 10pm on the 7th... I have a new person querying me via email ... having been found somehow on a dating site. Another person and I have DISCONNECTED... apparently I said some things she didn't like such as lets meet on zoom (she didn't like looking up people's nostrils) and the idea that happiness and contentment were different disturbed her big time AND she was rather nasty in her replies... No worries. I have now decided that such random-type inquiries will be asked to zoom or forget about it...I think that is safe and efficient for me. Zoom is more private than skype which this "new" person - Kathy, has suggested. In any case --- I think I am fending off scams early and well. I hope so. Another "lovely" - Julie - was texting as if a local and then said she was in Singapore for work and her profile noted she had no one to ask for help from .. and so I can/would expect her to need some monetary help at some point to get home, etc...Her response to my telling her I would be traveling myself and not available til long after her planned homecoming ... was: "Loo'l" -- whatever that might mean.

Today was a big rehearsal the day before the concert of my University Chorus... where we will be at the Mondavi Center doing Spirituals. Should be good!

THEN -- next week is more open than usual - no Tues and Thur rehearsals ... actually none until April 2nd at the earliest. I am looking forward to some traveling and some extra time, too. I have noted my weeks are full and fragmented and this poses some issues relative to doing certain things. However - what those certain things is not clear. I am at a point, I think, of inventing or re-inventing myself ... if I can, should, want to... INTO what? 

I have been pretty diligent about playing the piano each day this year. Writing would be the next thing to really be diligent and productive. I have two recent letters to the editor in the Enterprise. A book like "Notes to Myself" is a possibility. 

I have dinner, Friday night dinner, w/Neal... and he asked me - why all of the sudden have I re-connected with him. Essentially, and I should say THIS to him, to correct errors I made to distance myself to someone for no really major reasons. I am correcting things I can. I am being forgiving... to others and maybe to myelf...

Ah - to forgive myself ... being acting foolishly. Or have I? THE QUESTION is - where am I and am I where I should be, need to be, etc.. The ANSWER -- of course YES. And then - since I am here now... and that is where I should be, must be, simply am... then where do I want to go... and why... and how... etc. etc..  

THE BASIC QUESTION -- what is the meaning of my life? Do I consider my "legacy" and if so what would that be? 

Right HERE AND NOW... I am  wondering and curious and the good wine is helping, too. 

I VACATION... and perhaps I will STAYCATION!!! If I Staycation then getting my house and yards fixed up for comfort and joy would be something to do....And a nice new car to take drives... to ??? - Oregon, Washington, Montana, Canada.... etc. etc... Maybe to the East Coast.... etc etc.. MAYBE I get a General Contractor to fix my place up while I travel. Then I am back to comfort and joy. Maybe I rent a travel van.... instead of getting a new car.  Camp and hotels and etc etc...

I guess I am thinking -- BIG CHANGE.. now... while I can!!!

2025 Daily - 03/06/2025

 Actually missed today... may have written some stuff in DOCs... One thought was -- some people like to talk and talk... and talk.... and must need, I imagine, someone present to listen... I would not think they/a person would talk to themselves... though that IS a possibility.

This was written evening of the 7th... will now move on to the entry for the 7th of March, 2025

2025 Daily - 03/05/2025

 It is the day after the long speech by the prez --- which I did not watch. I am very uncomfortable hearing the voice and seeing the face of someone who lies, hates, and hurts. So I watched news reports with a few clips and highlights. I don't think I missed anything real.

=========================

now... I am in a Cantorial sharing program on Zoom... and gender issue is UP. Ya vs Ta... Male vs Female. The point quickly coming to my mind... is what is all-inclusive vs divisive. Including vs Excluding.. AND - is this a problem related to the translations from Hebrew. It is said - Hebrew is a language that is masculine oriented. When we did prayers in Hebrew without translations did the language orientation get in the way for women? Maybe... And now this is also for the LGBQ+ issues. OY!!!

A point up from Sheri Allen from Texas -- offered an option for Modeh Ani ... say three  ways ... Modeh, Modah, Modet - thus - ADDING...  She doens't do with Adonai... however in translation they are non-gender ...  Other changes... , too.

Look for -  YAHCHAND Guide.. Gabbai guide included...

I can wonder if there is anything lost when broad words, pronouns are used. Do I/others? want to be male? And others female, trans, etc....! Specifically? And there is the idea that came up with zoom genderlistings... which is - when people MUST self-identify does that mean some who are not ready will have to lie or "come-out" now? It may seem to many that coming-out is not an issue or... was not an issue last year (in 2024... if you get my drift).... but NOW - not necessarily something can easily do. OY!

2025 Daily - 03/04/2025

 It is morning time ... about 9am and I'm about to begin my second cup of coffee and I WAS going to do my piano practice which would be easier than the writing I am about to do. I think, from time to time, about my feelings and whether or not I feel. This is up front in my mind relative to my mother and father and their deaths or the impending, likely death of my only sibling. SO - I will write in a moment .. in a document .. and maybe link it here. 

Playing the piano and the notes, work of others is easier and pleasant ... but the issues of my feelings is very important. So - now onto it.

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2025 Daily - 03/03/2025

 Monday monday.... thought I was going to get together w/Sarah but she awoke not feeling well... SO -zoomed to services, went to this thing called: Death Cafe -- a once a month gathering of people to talk about death and stuff. Met/talked w/Lisa - and then also talked with Judy - who I've none in the libraries and also - Steve was there who told me and reminded me about it... Ok thing.

Then - visited w/Jim and then workedout and will go to anticipatory bereavement and then probably be late for Davis Chorale.... 

but ALL THESE THINGS TODAY were good. Day was good except for tariffs and  a 2 percent drop in Stock Market.

2025 Daily - 03/02/2025

This is something I wrote and posted to Facebook today: "To protect and to serve" --- the motto of many police departments... local authorities!!!!! SO - it would be appropriate work of the police who protect and serve to ensure that all people in their jurisdictions to be respected by the justice of our nation -- presume innocence and do not force self-incrimination as guraranteed by our Constitution. Apply this to those people who are only presumed to be undocumented/illegal... SO - do what is right!!"

Something... I guess one of my passions is justice and freedom and acceptance and understanding. What "undocumented" are being subjecdted to is NOT American. Our values embody BRAVERY ... and not fear. Especially unwarranted fears.

2025 Daily - 03/01/2025

 AH... is late on March 1st... First day and Saturday in March. I am near the beginning of the movie Conclave.... and earlier than I am watching now... the quote about The Center Cannot Hold was mentioned. I have thought about this phrase for a while.... hoping the e fof the American body politic had some goodness and all in it ... I wonder and I hope. I think it is there... However - the whole Yeats poem is interesting and I am looking at it now and will get back to .... it soon. Probably post something on Facebook eventually, soon. In politics... can the center coalesce and beThe The Force for GOOD.... ??? And how might America get there? A new political party? A centering of most politicians?  A revitalization of one of the parties into doing what is truly right?

As a Democrat I hope they will regain the power necessary. ON ANOTHER hand... REPUBLICANS... in a fantasy of mine could do what is right... instead of what is convenient and safe. Safety, security, status quo VS fear, uncertainty, a new order or a return to the best of our basic order?!???

As I watch more... the speech made be Fiennes as the Conclave begins it's work says...

He most fears CERTAINTY... And he call for variety . 

"Certainty is tghe great enemy of unity

Certainty is the deadly enemy of tolerance."

The idea of Certainty is often on my mind... even as I fail, or seem to fail, at being tolerant and not so very certain. I just bought a couple of copies of the book "Comfortable with Uncertainty" by Pema Chodron. It is a book I read years ago... and as I remember it was full of ideas and suggestions about how to deal with the many issues of life. All the many issues of life. To not Grasp. To let go. To be mindful. To no attachments to good or bad things. 

As the speech goes on ... Fiennes mentions DOUBT.. a word that essentially began my college career many many years ago. Interesting reminder. Timely... for all!

Doubt, sins, mistakes, forgiveness... FAITH... And CARRY ON...

And now it begins.... The Conclave and all the issues and thoughts and possiblities and hopes. AH HOPE!!!!

==========================

HERE:

William Butler Yeats his most famous poem, “The Second Coming.” Here is the entire poem:

Turning and turning in the widening gyre

The falcon cannot hear the falconer;

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,

The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere

The ceremony of innocence is drowned;

The best lack all conviction, while the worst

Are full of passionate intensity.

Surely some revelation is at hand;

Surely the Second Coming is at hand.

The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out

When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi

Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert

A shape with lion body and the head of a man,

A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,

Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it

Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.

The darkness drops again; but now I know

That twenty centuries of stony sleep

Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,

And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,

Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?