Bernadette Joy
Aug 22, 2017 · 2 min read

I only read this story today, a little over two years since you posted it. Time has not diminished the power of these words, if anything, the years have only added additional layers of tragedy and urgency for the appeal. We memorialize myths, tack on any sort of evidence gussied up to look scientific or Biblical, any authority in a storm. History is conveniently revised or entirely rewritten, over written, made to be a beast of burden to carry whatever load we fancy it ought to bear. The poor, disheveled fabric of time is stretched and pulled out of true to buttress beliefs long past their sell by date. But like a dishonest butcher, the meat is slapped with a fresh coat of blood and so it has the fresh red look that sells.

It is time these tired soldiers were laid to rest, time they were allowed to fade away. If we want monuments let us raise up testaments our children’s children will be proud to see.

Better angels is getting a lot of press these days, but then eloquence that stands the test of time perhaps deserves to be given a marble or bronze version.

I read this and thought of your other pieces here where you have had to defend yourself against slander and I thought how ironic, with all the tools of communication and connection at our disposal and while there is a measure of truth and inspiration, a good measure, a goodly measure, but such a load of overburden is laid down it is sometimes hard not to despair that the truth and beauty of what we could say will find its way out into the light from under so much dreck.

But it is late, and thoughts are weary, they need the morning light to brighten and send them on their way again. Thank you for your courage and determination. Thank you.

Cheers,

B

)

    Bernadette Joy

    Written by

    do you dare follow love and lust?