poem monday

lush

there's nothing worse than a woman drunk –
her makeup smeared, hair undone,
pantyhose falling
against the oak bar stool

that horrible hag
crying soliloquy,
hanging her self with verbs,
scribbling words illegible in the morning light

there's ugliness residing in the heart
of the princess of vodka,
cheerleading fornication
to catch the attention of one 50 year old scotch

red and blue sparkles - mama who never comes home
the loyalty flushed down the can –
a scream to make it out, to reinvent
the night so that it never ends


© Aleah Sato 10/2004

Returning

I am re-immersing myself in the world of nonprofits. Yesterday I met with a rep at Toronto based Earthroots to discuss helping them with some grant writing over the next few months. I am thrilled.

After being in the community, off and on, for the past three years, I feel it is time to start doing something to positively affect my surroundings. For me, it had to be about the native habitat, and Earthroots, with their mandate to focus on local land issues, seemed a good fit.

The meeting went well and they appeared enthusiastic about my coming on board. Although they probably think I must be mad to LIKE to write grant proposals (for free), but I do. The tidy-ness of the writing and the research always keep me gleefully motivated. I am such a nerdy librarian.

So that's the big news this week and where my mind has been. Preoccupation with the BIG PICTURE is imminent. I feel peaceful about some of the decisions I have set into motion which appear to me as mini-epiphanies. You know that feeling, the AHA moment, and then the long SIGH....

Oh, you mean I don't have to mindlessly hate my job like so many others?! Oh, I don't have to be stuck?! Oh...

Not that I am or have ever been stuck for long. It's just shifting that pesky dominant paradigm that tells us what we are supposed to do, when we are supposed to do it.

On to other issues...

Congrats again to Kim on her newfound state of pregnancy. Woohoo!

Well wishes to gypsy gal, Kathleen, who just had the "pleasure" of spending Thanksgiving in a break-up with her now ex...I have a wonderful memory of us driving up 89A, 11 pm on a Saturday night, to Sedona. Warm summer night, windows down, the wind blowing...and us with our bag of Jack in the Box tacos and a plan to catch the eye of a certain lead singer in a roadhouse band...dancing to 'You Can Leave Your Hat On'...

Those big desert dreams!

J*

Will be back very soon...

Momentary blog break. I am experiencing technical difficulties - one bugger of a virus. Sigh....

Yes, I really do want to get naked...

You will sink in a mire. You like to think you're
normal, but deep down you really just want to
strip off your clothes and roll around in
chicken fat.


What horrible Edward Gorey Death will you die?
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Unbelievable!

New Documents Reveal Bush Administration Allowed Drilling Under National Park Service Areas
Rules Made in Secret Would Affect More Than a Dozen Park Service Areas

WASHINGTON -- November 17 -- The Sierra Club today released documents showing that the Bush administration gave special treatment to Texas-based Davis Brothers Oil Producers, Inc., when it reversed a longstanding policy in order to allow oil and gas drilling underneath certain national parks, preserves and refuges regardless of potential environmental impacts. More than a dozen National Park Service areas could be impacted by the rule, including Big Thicket National Preserve and Padre Island National Seashore in Texas, New River Gorge in West Virginia, and Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida.

More...

Pit Bull Ban

"Pit bull" is a bit of a misnomer. There really is no such breed. Generally, "pit bulls" are a cross between a "bulldog" breed and a terrier. They are also known as American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

Most "pit bulls" are not aggressive by nature. They tend to be gentle, playful and loving. However, there are those that have been bred and trained to be aggressive. Even then, they are more aggressive toward other animals, not people. " read more...

I have been raging about this for some time now, but never thought to share it until last night, when I started to think about all of the "roadside zoos" and privately owned exotic animal menageries in Ontario - realizing how backwards and hypocritical this potential law is.

For you out of towners, Ontario is proposing a provincial ban on pit bull ownership to come in to affect sometime in the next few months (which will allow a grandfather clause for currently owned pit bulls).

Now, there have been a rash of attacks via pit bulls over the past year. I believe there have been a half a dozen serious attacks to date in the GTA. And while I don't deny that pit bulls can do much more damage when they bite (due to their powerful jaws), they are no more disposable than any other creature humans have selectively bred for a means to an end.

According to a report I found by Debbye Turner, pit bulls are only one of many dog breeds which have been known to behave aggressively.

Potentially aggressive breeds:

Llasa Apso: can be cranky with kids
Toy poodles: bite out of self defense
Dachsunds: not very patient
Rhodesian Ridgebacks: very dominant breed
Miniature Pinschers: "big dog" mindset in little body
Pekinese: intolerant
Chihuahuas: prefer adults, not tolerant of kids
Chow Chow: one-person dogs, bite without warning
Giant Schnauzers: very dominant breed, will even challenge adults
Old English Sheep Dog: very protective of owner
Cocker Spaniel: very protective of owner
Rottweilers: very protective

As you will notice, a few of these dogs listed are larger breeds and could easily kill a small child - why aren't we also including these breeds in the ban?

Pit bulls did not spring from the earth. All dogs have been selectively bred over several thousands of years, groomed for specific temperaments thought to be desirable.

Furthermore, why is it we think is acceptable to "get rid" of an animal just because they cause human suffering or loss of income (as in the case of trigger happy ranchers, etc.)? This is anthropocentric and short sighted. Once again, making human concerns "separate" from those of the rest of nature.

And what about pet dogs like the Jack Russell? They were bred to kill rodents and other small creatures deemed pests by humans. I have witnessed Jack Russells attacking chipmunks and killing them by the dozens. I have witnessed small dogs being freely allowed to roam unleashed and kill whatever happens across their path. I'm sorry, but if I were the mole, I would like to see an end to these dogs, too.

And cats. I am a cat owner who does not let my cat outdoors. I do not believe domestic cats were meant to be a part of the native ecosystem and I refuse to let mine out to kill songbirds and other wildlife that happens across our yard. Have you seen a cat corner a bird or rabbit? It is brutal and, I'd venture to say, pretty vicious. I'm sure the rabbit would love to see a ban on domestic cats.

Where do you draw the line? Why is it that we can so easily demand the elimination of an animal we helped to shape. It is the classic story of Frankenstein.

There are some organizations, such as Zoocheck Canada, that have been tirelessly working to create provincial legislation to prohibit the ownership of tigers, bears, and other wild animals, and still nothing has been done by our government. It's absurd that someone can still own a tiger in Ontario, but may not be able to adopt a pit bull. Come on?! There have been dozens of "pet" tiger attacks in North America over the past decade. Why is nothing being done?

Rather than using a ban to solve of a human created problem, can we not take reasonable steps to protect the community with education, regulation, and stricter animal cruelty laws? Isn't this ultimately our responsibility to them, the pit bulls?

Your calling...

I've been thinking a lot about happiness. I am currently reading The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama and it has me assessing what the source, for me, would be.

Much of it is composed of the basics: love, understanding, trust, safety, etc., all needed for the foundation of happiness, as well as the perception of belonging.

That said, I began to make a list of things I would like to accomplish in life and/or experience. I consider these activities as life enhancers, likely to cultivate happiness as they help to compose true meaning for me.

ALEAH'S ULTIMATE 'TO DO' LIST

• Become more aware and involved in my surroundings (greater Toronto area), including its history, terrain, wildlife, etc. (We are so clueless when it comes to our own backyard! I want to change this.)
  
• Volunteer more
  
• Become more politically involved, and perhaps even run for office
  
• Be an aware, loving, committed parent (doesn't mean I will be perfect or have my own biological kids, but I feel being a teacher to someone is vital - even if it's being a mentor.)
  
• Keep practicing and practicing (doesn't matter what in particular)
  
• Keep laughter alive
  
• Make more, buy less
  
• Have a garden
  
• Publish * Publish * Publish
  
• Travel as much and as cheaply as possible
  
• Learn a martial art
  
• In love, be solid, honest, forgiving, and wise
  
• Lead by example
  
• Spend more time being outdoors every day
  
• Be a part of the community; actually know my neighbors
  
• Learn another language
  
• Keep moving: dancing, walking, playing
  
• Stop eating processed foods
  
• Finish damn novel
  
• Take care of the small and defenceless
  
• Take time for solitude
  
• Start an annual family/friends reunion (we just don't make time for these anymore, and they are so important)
  
• Know the past but stop dwelling on it
  
• Camp at least once every summer
  
• Spend time in the desert
  
• Make time for friends
  

Quite a lot to tackle but I wanted a written trail for future reference...I will add more as ideas come to me.

What are some of your life goals?

Interesting news article...

Should Canada Indict Bush?
by Thomas Walkom


Far be it from me to say (right), but this is one idea worth following up.

A

Holy Moly - Thanks to Cat Out Loud

YOU ARE MOLY

What herb are you?
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Banana Phone!!

I'm warning you, don't click this link. Don't do it!!

You will be plagued with the tune for the rest of your natural life.

Thanks to Fishbucket for doing her part to annoy...

Exotic Ranch Mourns Loss of Monkey

Monkey's death casts pall on ranch
Residents outraged by shooting of primate family's patriarch

By DIANE JENNINGS / The Dallas Morning News
WILLS POINT JOURNALWILLS POINT – As a lifelong resident of Van Zandt County, Kathy Davis has always enjoyed taking children by Cash Wiley's exotic animal ranch every now and then to watch a family of Barbary apes cavort on a small island just off a back road.

She won't be able to do that much longer, however.

Someone shot the patriarch of the small monkey troupe a few weeks ago. Now, Mr. Wiley plans to add netting to the fence to keep his remaining animals out of the public eye – and safe.

Read more...

Friday Poem Blogging

Animal Stills

See the goat
forced to endure the farmer’s
hand.

See the cow
born to breathe a box
of piss and vermin.

See the horse,
a rack of bones
under a capitalist’s bet.

See the cat
dreaming of highways
without collision.

See the hen
banging Morse Code for her
frenzied brethren.

See them slipping away –
a death called evolution,
when cruelty stood upright.
-------------------------------------------

See the all the animals
lining the inside of a banker’s box.

Our diseases released
into the world, the sky.

Man’s scorn tested against
the sound of a mammal crying.

What drunk will kick a dog,
will put on a gown and call scientist.

What soul is so belittled
to cause the demise of the rest?

Animals dreaming of human extinction –
the cities that will soon burn,

a prophetic apocalypse.


© Aleah Sato 11/04

The Big Swan Song

As Bobbie so wisely illustrated, sometimes you just need a good hissy fit before the healing can begin...Thanks to Native Unity.

Kerry's Alternate Concession Speech

Sad news...

Well wishes to Cat over at Cat Out Loud. Her kitten, Eeyore, has only one functioning lung and has a 50/50 chance of recovery.

I hope all goes well.

What Famous Poet Are You?

For something a little "lighter" than today's previous post...via This is All Your Fault.


You are Sharon Olds, master of the everyday,
explorer of the female body and family.

Which 20th Century Poet Are You?
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This is so senseless

What is it with kids these days?! No, I am being serious. This is so awful and senseless; where were their parents? It seems there's a trend with suburban kids and violent crime - One that seriously needs to be addressed, both nationally and locally.

Teens arrrested in torture, killing of sharks at Long Beach aquarium

In These Times of Worldly Unrest...

I found this simple poem to mean a lot right now.

Kiss the Earth
By Thich Nhat Hanh

Walk and touch peace every
moment.
Walk and touch happiness every
moment.
Each step brings a fresh breeze.
Each step makes a flower bloom.
Kiss the Earth with your feet.
Bring the Earth your love and
happiness.
The Earth will be safe
when we feel safe in ourselves.

News worth mentioning...

Man is the hunter; woman is his game
There is a connection between violence against women and violence against animals. Our culture sees women as meat.
By Carol J. Adams

This is an incredible article by Carol Adams, author of The Sexual Politics of Meat. Enjoy, fellow feminists.

Also, in the depths of Florida, out come the hillbilly hunters at one of the latest "canned hunts." Don't know what a canned hunt is? Read more....And now I know why they say a picture is worth a thousand words.

j

Could Michael Moore Have Sunk Our Ship?

Jeff Jarvis has pontificated on the subject over at Buzzmachine...

"But I say instead that Michael Moore lost it for Kerry. He lost it by starting the mudslinging over military service when he accused Bush of being a deserter; this opened the door for the Swiftie mudmen and cut short the ability to condemn them for it. "

"He lost it by making unfair attacks on Bush (when he could have made fair attacks), helping Bush to rally his fans around him."

"But mainly, Moore lost the race for Kerry and the Democrats by turning them, by association, into a bunch of rabid seething fringie liberal loonies, all angry and extreme and too quick to forget what the real war is and who the real enemy is."

read more....

Thoughts? I have to admit, I had worried about this all along...

j

Poem Blogging

Small Poem

poetry cannot change the course of the world
no more than dogs barking away rain
fish dreaming of clouds



© Aleah Sato

Friends and Friends Who Want to Sleep with Friends

This is to my married friends: Did you ever have one of those sneaking suspicions that someone wishes to know you in a biblical sense, yet you really like them as a friend and don't want to put barbed wire up just yet?

This isn't about me. It's about a friend. Yeah, I ask for a friend. Hah.

Seriously, Rick and I have gone rounds about whether or not a woman can be friends with a man. With the exception of some longtime friends, I am learning that this is the case. I can be pretty naive about guys sometimes. Not sure why. I have been around enough of them - and I will leave it at that.

Maybe I should call up some of those Moral Voters south of the border. They would have a great deal of good advice about chastity and women staying in the kitchen, away from the world of men.

J

Aftershock

I'm feeling a bit better today - not quite so morose about the results of the election. I suppose what shocked me in all of this is the almost fanatical following of the "Christian Moral Coalition," as narrowly defined by people who have no real clue about what's going on in the world. I think there's a need for people to be allowed to live out their fantasies (which Bush certainly allows). For some, the fantasy entails God. For others, the fantasy might include self-worth equated with financial power, or physical safety through warfare. Whatever construct we use to meet our needs, basically.

What this means to me is that there are far too many people in the United States who need to use fantasy to fulfill their basic needs. Jon Strande, a blog friend of mine, recently posted an article that speaks of the spiritual conflict that the U.S. is facing: How the Bush Administration Has Diminished America's Spiritual Capital. It's a bit of a read, but I highly recommend taking the time.

I often wonder if real change can be possible when the methodology is so vastly different from person to person. My concept of positive change will differ greatly from someone who voted for Bush for moral reasons, say. Trying to find a bridge between my beliefs versus theirs seems impossible. How do you find common ground when you are dealing with myriad fantasies of "who we are and why we exist."

I am left with feeling somewhat helpless. For if each one of us differs in these core understandings, how can there be a possibility of reaching a compromise?

However, I continue to maintain my own path and try to be as accountable as I can be for my own actions. This is all I can do, and therefore, I can find some peace of mind in that. Perhaps this is what the Dali Lama refers to as happiness?

Thoughts?

j

Devastation...

I considered writing about the environmental devastation that is sure to ensue over the next four years, but instead decided to post a poem I wrote for Extinct, which is strangely appropriate.

This is truly a sad day.


The Void

true vision is in the macabre
caught like deer in the underbrush,
fleeing the burning of old trees,
former temples where we worshiped full bellies
and nullified thirst,
swimming the damage in a trance, humming
lunatic verse like it will save us from ourselves.

we live in a vacuum where
the stars turn dark as almonds,
floods relinquish their
sweat on the land,
and a great panther stalks the fears of man
unrelenting.

the fields where we played as children,
now an open pit feeding rats and rubber appliances
left like social relics:
our loving, a pool of fabric and force;
our youth,
fat blank pictures,
grand beasts
now bones scattered on our lawn.

in the void
i see the future like a goblin sitting in his waste,
demanding more and more until

nothingness.

and i want to stop it,
but the chorus of disease, a song
being sung from the earth’s wide
split,
has already begun

and the eternal eye, turned
inward.


© Aleah Sato

To My American Friends - Vote Kerry!!

New Mexico

"The Bush administration has been pushing for changes to policies on federal lands that would allow for greater use of them by commercial interests, such as oil companies — much to the anguish of conservationists"

As if there aren't enough reasons to vote for Kerry, how about to save your beautiful land?

Canada, your little brother country, is depending on you tomorrow!