Can You Hear Me Now

Each time a man or woman stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.

Robert Kennedy Sr.

In late 1971, at the height of the Vietnam War, John Lennon released his one and only Christmas song — Happy Xmas (War is Over). It’s a dense Phil Spector production that includes a full choir, sleigh bells, and a glockenspiel. While these lend the air of a typical Christmas song, the words take you somewhere much more timely and profound.

It begins with “So this is Christmas and what have you done” and ends with “War is over if you want it. War is over now.” There is no wrapping paper, Christmas tree, Santa Claus, mistletoe, or Jesus Christ lying in a manger. It’s simply John and Yoko Ono reminding us that we are all one people and we need to stop fighting each other and get our acts together.

Here we are in the waning days of 2024 and the weight of the world still falls heavy on our shoulders. War rages in Gaza and Ukraine, right wing populism is on the rise across the world, once again the United States has allowed a hate-filled man back into the White House, and millions of frightened people are wondering when they are going to be dragged from their homes. If Mr. Lennon was alive today, I expect he would continue asking us “what have you done?”

Frankly, that’s a question I ask myself a lot these days. I am not blind to poverty, oppression, and inequity, but am I doing enough? Linda I regularly give to a number of charitable organizations, yet I pretend I don’t see the ragged men and women asking for money on street corners. I played role in the last presidential election, but I could have done a lot more. I have my volunteer work, but I have plenty of room for more. I am constantly presented with ways to make a bigger difference and pass most of them by.

So Many Possibilities

I am not one for New Year’s Resolutions, but I need to make a greater effort to find new and more impactful ways to help build the world I want my grandchildren to inherit from us old folks. I could start by giving more money to worthy causes. I am not rich by American measures, but I am extremely wealthy by the standards of much of the world’s population. The dollar bill that means so little to me is a precious gift to far too many.

The non money ways require a lot more effort than entering a credit card number or writing a check. As a retired man, I have time, but most of my time is not spent on the big, important issues. How much of my life am I willing to give up to make a real difference — a bigger bang? That is a question I need to seriously ask myself and once asked, put together a workable plan. Fortunately, I can be quite tenacious once I get going on something.

My eyes have been opened
the way is clear
for a new adventure
a new exploit

Like a Christmas present wrapped and tucked under the tree
there so many possibilities

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that John also sang, “And so happy Christmas, we hope you have fun. The near and the dear ones. The old and the young.”

While I am contemplating real, “John Lennon” changes to my life, I want to embrace and celebrate Sir Paul McCartney’s less serious approach as espoused in Wonderful Christmastime.

The mood is right
The spirit’s up
We’re here tonight
And that’s enough

I want to face anger with love, joy, and laughter. There is already enough hatred in this world. Even when I take on people who despise what I believe in and what I stand for, I need to do so with an open heart.

Ding Dong, Ding Dong

Thank you for bearing with me through his odd and honest Christmas card. Thank you also for reading my blather these past seven months. I have no idea who adds to my view and visitor count every day, but knowing who is not important. You are all dear and important to me. I seriously hope I am making someone’s life a little brighter. Even if I am not, writing helps make my life shinier, so this will never be for naught.

I will end with a short poem I wrote for the season. Truth be told, I started with the poem and wrote this article around it. The sentiment is something I try and remind myself of on a daily basis.

“Mary and Joseph”

He, anxious and uncertain
she, weary from travel and the weight of a child unexpected
they, the plight of a people oppressed and frightened

In search of better, safer
in search of peace after a long and perilous journey
calm after years of fire and rain

Mary and Joseph
Bana and Ahmed
Uri and Nizar
Lucia and Tomas
Rema and Rifat
Renata and Juan
Haya and Joram
Rasha and Akram
Juana and Pablo
Aseel and Burhan
Luna and Jorge
Lima and Tarek

And but for providence and good fortune
go you and I

Merry Christmas. Happy holidays. Be joyful, productive, safe, aware, ridiculous, and always kind.

Thank you for reading.