Hello Ian,

I hope you are well? About your poem: I am right now in London and I can tell you, this is a fabulous city, even with all the Churches. It is truly an international city and properly diversified; unlike New York, where various nationalities stick to their neighborhoods, (and maybe it's like that here too) but I see people of all races and nationalities mingling in the pubs and restaurants of which are plentiful.

Now, as for the Churches burning...what the Churches are doing unlike Islam is maturing and evolving. There is a steep Christian history here in the U.K. as well as the pagan history. And to the best of my knowledge, you are free to practice whatever pleases you here in the U.K.

As for us capitalists being consumed with chasing the dollar, I assume you mean the British Pound which is ridiculously high right now, I say good! Chasing after wealth increases the wealth of others.

While there is a very large gap between the ultra-rich and the poorest of the poor, those poor are still better off than they would be in a third world country where everyone is at the same income level. With that level being totally impoverished!

Okay, you be good. Don't worry, it could be worse, we could be living in Afghanistan and I could be wearing a burqa and be lashed for even typing this to a man I don't know lest he perceive me as the provocateur.

~ Sara

How sad. I've planted a temple in my backyard though. The ground was all tilled up, and I thought I'd put it to good use over the fall and winter months. I breathed hope into the little dimples, and watered it with fertile faith.

In the distance, I see a new and beautiful temple standing on my neighbor's hill. It's white and gleaming, with a golden spire.

And in my garden, I'm just beginning to see the baby spire peek out of the soil.

In our hidden valleys, all over this land, there are tiny temples aspiring. Breathe hope. Teach love. And pray with a faith undaunting. --Charlie

after the week i have had and the week in the news, i must sadly share the same fear

Here we are again, the world is more than the alienation of the environment we have created, the world is the alienation of the self we have created, & phased in & out of it, like our poetry, we date, hoping to stand the test of time. Saludos now

To answer Richard's question, when we removed God from school, discipline from homes, no wonder we're raising a generation of apathetic, selfish souls. Sad. An excellent, heartbreaking reminder, Ian, very well penned.

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.

Sobering insights that reflect the unraveling American Empire. What has become of this once great nation? At times I feel as if we are approaching a black hole. I fear that it will get worse. I pray that I am wrong!
Stand strong!
Richard Lloyd Cederberg