The painting speaks volumes sadly to the climate of our country today. Both Ada Limon's and Jane Hirschfields poems spoke to me. Ada's probably a little more so.
As someone who served under this flag, I am often dismayed when I see how little reverence is paid to it.
Thank you for this piece Diana, it was thoughtful and beautifully written.
The wet flag allegory was exquisitely heart touching in a strangely saddening/comforting way. I find that the infusion of TRUTH coming by way of metaphors, parables, psalms, music, etc. are inclined to “sink in” more deeply.
I, too, remember the importance of not letting the American flag get wet ——and the rush to get it down whenever a rain threatened the Girl Scout Camp where I was a counselor! Perhaps this even has another little allegory: Gathering dark clouds threaten a down pour on the flag. It will require prompt action of all who wish to protect it and what it stands for. Thank you, Diana, for sharing your perspectives on the “intersection of our faith and life”.
You have captured much of what is churning within me these days. The past several years have removed my desire of flag waving. Yet that does not mean I don’t like my country. Today I am simply unable to do anything other than sit in the truth of what is, to reflect, lament and then, perhaps, tomorrow pick up my torch and continue to speak up for liberty and justice for ALL.
Holy cow, ma'am. This piece punched me right in my guts. It also inspired me. I hope you don't mind, I'm posting a link to this on my page with the thoughts that you inspired. God bless and keep these pearls coming!
I find it difficult to believe anyone in 1917 would have left a flag to fly in the rain. Back then, our flag was a proud symbol of our nation, not something to fly from the back of a MAGA pickup truck. I remember, in the 1940s it began to rain on the 4th of July. Most of our small town were a few miles out of town at a community picnic. At the first drops, businessmen and women drove hurriedly back to town to reverently take their flags in out of the rain.
The painting is lovely, in a movingly poignant sense. In addition, I love both Claude McKay's sonnet and Ada Limón's poem. The militarism underlying the "Star-Spangled Banner" in the verse we all sing, let alone the references to slavery in the third verse and the bellicose nature of the fourth, have long troubled me. I'm not sure any of the well-known patriotic songs, not even "America the Beautiful," fully resonate with me.
Thank you for your commentary and for these poems. I've just copied Ada Limon's and sent it to all my progressive friends who are increasingly frustrated and sad. I'm in the same boat, having just participated in your online course on Faith and Politics. After it ended yesterday, I received news about the new Presiding Bishop-Elect Sean Rowe of the Episcopal Church. He said all the right things about Beloved Community, Creation Care, truth and reconciliation, love and respect for the dignity of all--and just for a few minutes I felt hopeful. And then I watched the news...
thank you. This metaphor you bring forth, impressionism, impressionistic promise, is a helpful and poignant way to think about the country in these present circumstances. The irony of the Originalists mandating the 10 Commandments posted, large, in Louisiana, meanwhile the prospective Republican candidate boasts about shooting people on 5th Avenue and the Supreme Court says, yes, go ahead. Just how many of those posted Commandments are totally meaningless to this fellow. And just how much of the Bill of Rights is totally meaningless to the majority on the Supreme Court. To follow what some have said, I dissent. No, in truth, I simply don't accept this recent ruling. We are at a significant crossroads. Those calling it for what it is are called over-reacting, hysterical, unfounded. Well, it is very important to take a more considered hearing of them. Again, thank you for your clear voice.
And the painting with your words are so fitting for our times.
I prefer jimmy Carter’s quote the best.
The painting speaks volumes sadly to the climate of our country today. Both Ada Limon's and Jane Hirschfields poems spoke to me. Ada's probably a little more so.
As someone who served under this flag, I am often dismayed when I see how little reverence is paid to it.
Thank you for this piece Diana, it was thoughtful and beautifully written.
Beautiful, Diana, as always!
The wet flag allegory was exquisitely heart touching in a strangely saddening/comforting way. I find that the infusion of TRUTH coming by way of metaphors, parables, psalms, music, etc. are inclined to “sink in” more deeply.
I, too, remember the importance of not letting the American flag get wet ——and the rush to get it down whenever a rain threatened the Girl Scout Camp where I was a counselor! Perhaps this even has another little allegory: Gathering dark clouds threaten a down pour on the flag. It will require prompt action of all who wish to protect it and what it stands for. Thank you, Diana, for sharing your perspectives on the “intersection of our faith and life”.
Perhaps Plato was right with his placement of Democracy in the whole scheme of things.
You have captured much of what is churning within me these days. The past several years have removed my desire of flag waving. Yet that does not mean I don’t like my country. Today I am simply unable to do anything other than sit in the truth of what is, to reflect, lament and then, perhaps, tomorrow pick up my torch and continue to speak up for liberty and justice for ALL.
Holy cow, ma'am. This piece punched me right in my guts. It also inspired me. I hope you don't mind, I'm posting a link to this on my page with the thoughts that you inspired. God bless and keep these pearls coming!
I find it difficult to believe anyone in 1917 would have left a flag to fly in the rain. Back then, our flag was a proud symbol of our nation, not something to fly from the back of a MAGA pickup truck. I remember, in the 1940s it began to rain on the 4th of July. Most of our small town were a few miles out of town at a community picnic. At the first drops, businessmen and women drove hurriedly back to town to reverently take their flags in out of the rain.
I come back again and again to wander inside the safe ambiguity of this meditation. Thank you.
Hope amid pain
Thank you.
Would England take us back as a colony?
The painting is lovely, in a movingly poignant sense. In addition, I love both Claude McKay's sonnet and Ada Limón's poem. The militarism underlying the "Star-Spangled Banner" in the verse we all sing, let alone the references to slavery in the third verse and the bellicose nature of the fourth, have long troubled me. I'm not sure any of the well-known patriotic songs, not even "America the Beautiful," fully resonate with me.
Thank you for your commentary and for these poems. I've just copied Ada Limon's and sent it to all my progressive friends who are increasingly frustrated and sad. I'm in the same boat, having just participated in your online course on Faith and Politics. After it ended yesterday, I received news about the new Presiding Bishop-Elect Sean Rowe of the Episcopal Church. He said all the right things about Beloved Community, Creation Care, truth and reconciliation, love and respect for the dignity of all--and just for a few minutes I felt hopeful. And then I watched the news...
This is one of the most helpful reading for after debate musing and hoping.
thank you. This metaphor you bring forth, impressionism, impressionistic promise, is a helpful and poignant way to think about the country in these present circumstances. The irony of the Originalists mandating the 10 Commandments posted, large, in Louisiana, meanwhile the prospective Republican candidate boasts about shooting people on 5th Avenue and the Supreme Court says, yes, go ahead. Just how many of those posted Commandments are totally meaningless to this fellow. And just how much of the Bill of Rights is totally meaningless to the majority on the Supreme Court. To follow what some have said, I dissent. No, in truth, I simply don't accept this recent ruling. We are at a significant crossroads. Those calling it for what it is are called over-reacting, hysterical, unfounded. Well, it is very important to take a more considered hearing of them. Again, thank you for your clear voice.