Launching Into Lent

I'm a hesitant observer of Lent, nevertheless, I'm on board for the turbulent journey

Obediently,

we saunter into

Ash Wednesday's service.

Kneeling,

we are marked--

as much a sign of

obligation as mild

intention.

Lent launches

as we straggle up

the gangplank.

Though winded,

we're on board--

a bit bewildered about

where this journey ends,

somewhat unsure of

the purpose of this

passage.

When inspiration flags,

discipline and duty

carry us.

Where vision is obscured,

the immediate horizon a fog,

soundings resonate

direction.

Others seem more

certain of this voyage--

sails are trimmed and

crew busy themselves.

But we aren't sure

whether we should

settle in to rest

or keep watch

at the bow.

We're asked to

give up something--

to lighten the load?

Have we not already

given up home and land

for this untethered vessel

churning through

inhospitable seas

to an unheard of

location?

After a few days at sea

we notice atop the mast

flies a flag--are those

cross bones?

What were we thinking

when we bought the ticket

marked "Destination Port:

Calvary"?

John Franklin Hay 
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA 
www.twitter.com/indybikehiker 
indybikehiker@gmail.com

COVID-19

A few weeks ago, I was drawn down the wormhole of the novel coronavirus that has gripped much of China and is spreading globally. COVID-19 is currently merely a notable news item in our region, but our Chinese neighbors are experiencing full-on pandemic conditions.

In December 2019, I booked a March 2020 flight to New Zealand that routed through Shanghai, China. I thought that would be novel. But as information began to percolate about the virus, I reconsidered my plans. Ultimately, I cancelled my reservations and have decided that, for me, this is not a good time for international travel. Cycling down under can wait.

Spending a while viewing Twitter posts from Wuhan area Chinese “citizen journalists” (some of whom have now disappeared) reveal very stark stories and images. One gets the sense that official reporting by their government reveal suppressed counts of persons infected and dead. Extreme measures of quarantine and treatment appear to be violently enforced.

We are learning—and are going to learn—much about the human condition as this virus spreads globally and ultimately impacts our own city, neighborhood, and households. What seems distant will likely come near. This is a search-your-heart time. Love all.

Fresh Start

It's time I started writing again. Original stuff. Not reposting pieces I've worked on, am proud of, or are apropos for the season or holiday. I desire to explore forward.

Most of what I've posted is locked down at this time. I missed the deadline to renew my www.indybikehiker.com domain and every way I try to renew it now, I'm led down a blind alley. I've wasted lots of time. I figure I'll recover the 15+ years of content some time (it's all accessible via Blogger). But the disruption of months of non-access has intensified my urge to write in general and blog specifically.

I have embraced a number of social media platforms--Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Each has a fascination of its own. But, for me, none of these reflect my style (this is not the best word) like blogging.

Though I have blogged for years and journaled through my adult life, I consider this a fresh start, a new beginning.

I consider this an act of love and courage.

Let's see where this goes.