If only it were possible
to see democracy surviving.
Even “just a little bit.”  
But, the loss of democracy is on the rise
in the United States,
around the world,
and even here in my beloved Canada.

The phrase “It wouldn’t happen here.”
has been spoken by people who voted for someone who told them what he would do
and when he began to do it, they came up with excuses.
And then more things happened that they didn’t think would happen 
and they made excuses.
And now??
When climate change and the threat of nuclear war are added to 
the rising hatred, violence, terrorism,
it’s not surprising that people are asking “Is any place safe these days?”

And the answer to that question?
Schools are not. 
Universities are not. 
Hospitals are not. 
Marathons are not. 
Sport events are not. 
Homes are not. 
Public events are not.
Streets are not.
Religious buildings are not. 
Government buildings are not. 
Shopping centres / malls are not.

Fear grows more and more as personal lives are dramatically impacted.
Intolerance spreads as “someone” must be the reason for prices going up, jobs being lost, hatred increases.
And the “us” and “them” language develops its own life.

When that happens, we forget that joy abounds
… weddings happen … lives are celebrated … babies are born … lives are extended because of medical intervention … children laugh and play … elders share their wisdom and experience
… musicians, photographers, dancers, painters, thespians, calligraphers, potters, weavers, chefs, gardeners, carpenters, fabric artists, knitters, landscape artists, writers and many others
continue to awaken the creative spirit, touch the soul and inspire the mind.

It’s understandable that when fear and negativity rise to the surface
decisions made by leaders focus our attention
on the death knell of life. 

If only it were possible to see democracy surviving.
Even “just a little bit.”  

My spirit grieves for the lives that have been lost,
the erosion of democracy,
the ways selfishness keeps us from changing our habits to protect this planet for future generations.

What can be done?
We can choose to see our world entering the death of the tomb.
Or we can choose to see our world entering the birth of the womb. 

I don’t want to give up.
I won’t say the world is doomed.   
I believe in possibility.
Perhaps a baby is being born this day
or a child is already born
who may conceive of a way to bring compassion out of this chaos
who may find a way to save this planet from climate devastation
who may find a way to motivate people to a world of kindness, compassion, love, community and hope.

May we not give away our ability to choose to face each tomorrow
with hopeful expectation/anticipation
… even if it is only “just a little bit.”


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Photo and Text: © June Maffin
@soulistryjune.bsky.social
https://soulistry.com/blog
www.facebook.com/groups/soulistry

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