Living in cornonavirusworld 120: the perfection of creation

7/24

the squirrel

New York City Presbytery’s discussion group on the Black Women and Girls report meets. Tellingly, only one of our Black women leaders is in attendance. One of the members of the Justice Committee invites us to the (virtual) unveiling of a women’s leaders statue in Central Park on August 26th, It will include Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and SusanB.Anthony. Our commsioners share their frustration with General Assmebly and its failure to deal with the Black Women’s report. New York City Presbytery had been one of four Presbytery’s to be selected  for work on a previous Assembly action regarding Black Men, Freedom Rising.  The question was raised as to why it was restricted to men only. Was this another case of miscogeny? Actually no. This was an historic moment when the attack on Black men felt particularly acute. With bitterness and irony, African American men were spoken of as an “endangered species.” Black women commissioners supported an effort specifically for men. With no funding and no staff, the Freedom Rising initiative is fading away.

Our lone representative from the community of Black women, says  that frankly they are tired of telling their story…over and over with personal cost and seeing nothing gained. There can only be conversation with intentionality. And there must be action. As we begin to think of possible grant possibilities and potential scholarship programs, the mood changes, With the possibility of concrete action, perhaps conversation can begin again.

Conversation continues about a documentary on the Radical Monarchs, a social justice based alternative to the Girl  Scouts developed inOakland, California especially to speak to the issues faced by black and brown girls. (https://wearetheradicalmonarchsmovie.com/).  And so we will continue. Can it be different this time? 

The heat continues. On the edge of the park, I see a squirrel perched on a garbage barrel. He’s eating pizza. When he drops a piece, he’ll look around then dive back into the barrel and  emerge with another morsel. Never before corona would I have watched a squirrel for 20 minutes. In this coronavirus world, I have become ever more aware of other living beings. And ever more convinced that most creatures in creation are perfect for what  they are supposed to be. That our similarities are so much more than differences. Even dinosaurs had recognizable skeletons, eyes, brains, teeth, stomachs, penises. All eat, excrete and reproduce. An amazing intricate design in which we are only a part. I watch the squirrel finish its pizza. And continue my walk.

ready for the game

I had intended to spend my night watching my home town Pirates play  their  first ball game of the season but wind up having to host the West Park Open Mic. At first its just Malcolm and me. Swapping songs. I put the ball game on my Ipad and watch while I host. Soon Kosi  joins  from Baltimore  and then Dion joins us. One by one players join us. And then her friend Chris comes in from Erie, Pennsylvania and makes the night. He's part of what I'm learning is a burgeoning indie scene in the northwest corner of the state.  And a friend of Matt Boland who lit up our Beggar's Banquet recreation with his rendition of Prodigal Son. I feel up to sharing my Covid Song "Social distance" for the first time. Chris compliments it as a 30 year old Dylan response to the Virus. I'll take that. And throws in a reference to Owen Meany (John Irving) which makes the night for me.

Before the end, the Pirates fight back but still fall short in a predictable loss. I end the night pleasantly  surprised at what can  happen when  you least suspect it in the strange word of connection that ZOOM makes possible. 

So strange watching baseball with no fans and recorded crowd noise. Ultimate irony...they are using  a soundtrack from a video game for real games. This is not ending soon.