26 Comments
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Ray Sweatman's avatar

Intense. Powerful. The good news is the Supreme Court finally sided with the constitution on tariffs. Perhaps he was late with his payment.

Nora O’Dowd's avatar

Thanks, Ray! He never pays his bills. But hoping you’re right about checks and balances creaking into motion again.

Geraldine A. V. Hughes's avatar

The bill is due, “it” the beast and “it’s” beasties, are self annihilating. Payback happens. Stay calm and write on, the language that comes from your body. Love peace and poetry, Geraldine

Nora O’Dowd's avatar

Love that: the language that comes from your body! Thanks, Lady G, for the encouraging words. I know it won’t stay like this.

Miner Poet's avatar

I feel this deeply. Well done, Nora.

Nora O’Dowd's avatar

Oh, thank you, Ross!

Aaliya's avatar

Your words beautifully capture the struggle of carrying an invisible burden. It’s a powerful reminder that even in moments of peace, the weight can feel inescapable. Thank you for sharing such a raw and honest reflection.

Nora O’Dowd's avatar

I think acknowledging the heaviness we’re all feeling lessens the burden just a bit. And you’ve done that with your kind comments. Thank you, Aaliya!

Moon-Kite Maker's avatar

“But is heaviness truly deplorable and lightness splendid? . . . The heavier the burden, the closer our lives come to the earth, the more real and truthful they become. Conversely, the absolute absence of a burden causes man to be lighter than air, to soar into heights, take leave of the earth and his earthly being, and become only half real, his movements as free as they are insignificant. What then shall we choose? Weight or lightness?”

–Milan Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Nora O’Dowd's avatar

Interesting. I hadn’t thought about it that way.

I’ve read that oppression often brings about greater creativity, and perhaps all this pressure will break enough norms to bring about a more equitable society.

Still, I’d like to be free of the pall.

Esther Stanway-Williams's avatar

I really recognise this feeling you describe, from so many of my US readers…

The weight

the awful weight

smothers and betrays

the best of us

I look on askance at all you are going through with that awful man and his enablers at his side. Praying good will triumph over the evil he seems so intent on perpetuating 🥲

Nora O’Dowd's avatar

Thank you so much, Esther, for your prayers and empathy. I appreciate your reaching out.

Just finished your Wuthering Heights piece. A much needed reminder of all the wonder and love in this world. That man cannot overshadow that.

Bless you and the memory of Dom. 🌹

Esther Stanway-Williams's avatar

❤️❤️❤️

Meditations On Permafrost's avatar

This is a suitably charged existential lament based on all the horrendous stuff happening in the world at the moment. Thoughts and prayers with you 🙏 I feel the weight too.

Nora O’Dowd's avatar

Thanks so much for reading and commenting. I continue to hope.

Alex Jenkin's avatar

You definitely captured the lead ball of awareness we are getting crushed by at the minute. Good work.

Nora O’Dowd's avatar

Thanks so much, Alex! Every time one of those banners is unfurled on public buildings, the pressure seems to build.

Michele McNichol's avatar

Beautifully said! Mo and I express the same sentiment on a daily basis, but you nailed it. ❤️

Nora O’Dowd's avatar

Thanks a million, Mitch!!

School of Blue's avatar

I feel your pain, Nora.

Stephen's avatar

I pray your shoulders are just big enough to bear it.

Nora O’Dowd's avatar

Thanks, Stephen! I hope the country can bear it.🙏

John Sheils's avatar

And this too will pass

Nora O’Dowd's avatar

Thank you, Bran!

Hannah Torkelson's avatar

Thank you for this powerful poem! Felt so closely at this time.