Good Friday 55s

Although our beloved friend and host of Friday 55, G-man, is no longer with us I humbly offer my traditional good Friday 55s with this year's newest verse appearing as the last in the collection.

 

The Magdalene

I wandered
tormented, unclean, unwelcome.
He drove away my darkness,
restored me to a community.
I followed him,
served him gratefully.
Now I follow at a distance
witnessing his torment 
as darkness falls on him,
while the others turn away.
I watch where his body is laid.
So I may offer
my final loving act of service.


The Arimathean

I followed him secretly
since I was on the council which opposed him.
At His trial
I would not condemn him
though the others did.
What I could not do while He lived
I dared after He died.
I boldly asked Pilate
for the body,
prepared it for burial,
laid Him in my own tomb.    



The Governor

I found no fault
in the one brought before me.
My wife warned me.
Herod returned him to me.
I offered to release him
but the crowd demanded the murderer instead.
Lacking strength of conviction,
I yielded to the mob.
Water washed my hands
but could not cleanse my conscience
of an innocent man's blood.

The Disciple

I left my business and my home to follow him.

I sat at his feet,

swore my allegiance,

said I'd die with him.

drew my weapon in his defense.

When my test came

I cowered in the darkness,

denied we ever met,

and knew my love was nothing

as his poured out for faithless me.

The Cyrene

I came to Jerusalem for the Passover.

I heard the commotion,

saw the condemned paraded in the street.

One was barely alive.

I turned away until...

the Roman yanked me from the crowd,

laid the beam on my shoulders.

Only when I met the bloodied man's eyes

did I realize he endures the judgment

I deserve.

The Thief

Merciless sun blisters my skin as the crowd's unrelenting curses assault my ears.

The weight of my own guilt,

the pain of dislocated joints and bound limbs bear down so heavily

I can barely breathe.

I dangle between present agony and hopeless eternity until He tells me,

"Today you will be in Paradise with Me."

The Guard

I'm glad to follow my orders well.

It's like taking out the trash to rid the earth of the scum we execute here.

Today is different.

One never begged for mercy, never fought us.

He spoke mercy on us all.

For the first time I feel guilt.

I fall to my knees, confess His deity.

The Mother

We had to travel when my time was so near.

When the king was killing the little boys we had to flee for our lives.

I was panicked when we lost him in the city.

But nothing has pierced my heart

like watching the spikes enter his flesh

and the sword plunge into his side.

The Beloved

I am a son of thunder

And have asked him

To pour wrath upon the unrighteous.

I’ve witnessed his transfiguring divinity

On the mountaintop.

I’ve been promised a seat in his kingdom.

I watch him gasp for breath.

He entrusts his mother to my care

And I am struck by the humanity

Of a son.

Friday 55 & Da Count-RIP G-man

FRIDAY 55X2  

(Two because sometimes it's necessary)

You are loyalty and kindness personified, a devoted dad, a fabulous cook, an avid fisherman, the kickass host of Friday 55, Mr Knowitall in the best sense, a lover of all things Michigan and Harley Davidson, the glue in any circle of friends, the love who helped his friends smile in the darkest of times.

I was honored by your friendship, blessed by your kindness, cheered by your humor, encouraged by your patience, exhorted by your gentle wisdom. I already miss your laugh and the way you said my nickname.  I'll never forget your smile, your eyes, or your hug.  Rest in peace, ride on in glory. Love, Trini.

DA COUNT

 I cannot believe he is gone.  I am gutted.  We first became acquainted when he began blogging and I commented in a case of mistaken identity.  I thought he was someone else I knew and had finally started a blog.  We emailed back and forth a couple times before I realized I was totally mistaken.  It could have been completely awkward but Galen thought it was hilarious and was so gracious.  We became fast friends....for real.  We had fun trading trivia.  He tried to trip me up on cultural references from his own childhood and was surprised that I could keep up.  He said I was an old soul and he forgot to grow up was why we got along so well in spite of the age difference.  

We talked about how much fun it would be to meet but never much thought it might happen since I had no cause to go to Michigan and he had no cause to come to Pennsylvania.  In 2007 I went to Texas for a wedding and noticed several of the flights had layovers in Detroit.  I thought, "Hey, this could happen!"  Respective work schedules conspired against being able to spend a day or two there but I planned a layover of several hours when Galen and Signgurl said they could manage to get to Metro for a quick visit.  Bonus!  I'd get to meet both of them.  They brought Roxi Moon and Frogger along for the ride.  The four of us had a little party in some area where non-passengers could go and where I wouldn't have to go through security again.  Signgurl had awesome food for us as we all chatted away.  Galen sat there grinning ear to ear the whole time.  When it was time to go he wrapped me up in the biggest hug of my life.  Somewhere there is a picture of that moment but sadly I can't find it.

We shared confidences.  I was honored that he'd trust me with some of his deep hurts.  I was blessed that he helped me bear some of mine.  He certainly helped me endure the year Calypso was sick.  He always wanted to know how my kids were and often talked of his own.  He'd share about his lifelong friends and his concerns for them.  He  didn't describe himself as such but I could tell he was the driving force behind a lot of social activity whether it was among friends, family, or coworkers. He was a big clown but he was also incredibly intelligent.  He was just too humble to toot his own horn though he'd be happy to fart the alphabet for you if you asked. He had purchased a fishing cabin within the last year and since giving up season tickets for U of Michigan had taken great joy in spending weekends there with friends or his son.  He told me a few times that retirement was beginning to look attractive.  I knew he loved his job and worked hard at it.  I also knew he was deserving of some leisure after his own terrifying health scare a couple years ago and a lifetime of hard work.  I anticipated a happy retirement for him spent fishing and riding his Harley.  Sadly, his great big heart gave out at work this week.  What I wouldn't give for it to still beat strong in his chest and to share another hug.

G-man, I am so grateful you were my friend.  Rest in well-earned peace, ride on in glory.  Love you always, Trini.

Good Friday 55

*The first one is new this year but I am including the 55s from previous years as well.


The Magdalene

I wandered
tormented, unclean, unwelcome.
He drove away my darkness,
restored me to a community.
I followed him,
served him gratefully.
Now I follow at a distance
witnessing his torment 
as darkness falls on him,
while the others turn away.

I watch where his body is laid.
So I may offer
my final loving act of service.


The Arimathean

 I followed him secretly
since I was on the council which opposed him.
At His trial
I would not condemn him
though the others did.
What I could not do while He lived
I dared after He died.
I boldly asked Pilate
for the body,
prepared it for burial,
laid Him in my own tomb.    



The Governor


I found no fault
in the one brought before me.
My wife warned me.
Herod returned him to me.
I offered to release him
but the crowd demanded the murderer instead.
Lacking strength of conviction,
I yielded to the mob.
Water washed my hands
but could not cleanse my conscience
of an innocent man's blood.

The Disciple

I left my business and my home to follow him.

I sat at his feet,

swore my allegiance,

said I'd die with him.

drew my weapon in his defense.

When my test came

I cowered in the darkness,

denied we ever met,

and knew my love was nothing

as his poured out for faithless me.

The Cyrene

I came to Jerusalem for the Passover.

I heard the commotion,

saw the condemned paraded in the street.

One was barely alive.

I turned away until...

the Roman yanked me from the crowd,

laid the beam on my shoulders.

Only when I met the bloodied man's eyes

did I realize he endures the judgment

I deserve.

The Thief

Merciless sun blisters my skin as the crowd's unrelenting curses assault my ears.

The weight of my own guilt,

the pain of dislocated joints and bound limbs bear down so heavily

I can barely breathe.

I dangle between present agony and hopeless eternity until He tells me,

"Today you will be in Paradise with Me."

The Guard

I'm glad to follow my orders well.

It's like taking out the trash to rid the earth of the scum we execute here.

Today is different.

One never begged for mercy, never fought us.

He spoke mercy on us all.

For the first time I feel guilt.

I fall to my knees, confess His deity.

The Mother

We had to travel when my time was so near.

When the king was killing the little boys we had to flee for our lives.

I was panicked when we lost him in the city.

But nothing has pierced my heart

like watching the spikes enter his flesh

and the sword plunge into his side.

Da Count-Friday 55

FRIDAY 55

The dinosaurs have died.

The first written record appears.

Rome falls.

The New World is discovered.

The colonies win independence.

Production lines begin.

The sun begins to set on the British Empire.

Nuclear bombs are used in war.

A man walks on the moon.

 

It's the end of an era,

G-man is passing the torch.

DA COUNT

It's been quite a while since I have regularly participated in Friday 55, in which players write a story or poem in 55 words.  Any regular reader here though knows I contributed most weeks for a long time.  Once upon a time, before G-man hosted the Friday 55, Susie was the host.  About seven years ago she passed that responsibility to G-man, who has been the host with the most from coast to coast all this time.  He has decided it is time to pass the torch on to some new hosts.

I want to take this week to thank G-man for being a great host.  He wrote some hilarious 55s over the years and not a few poignant ones.  He consistently turned out something fun to read and graciously visited every single participant each week.  He cultivated a creative corner of the blogosphere that meant a lot to me.  Although I wrote poetry for years before I blogged I kept it very private, believing I had no real skill.  When Susie, began Friday 55 I started in the original intent which was to create a complete story in 55 words.  I eventually found I liked a more poetic form for many of my compositions.  When G-man began hosting he built the audience quickly and I gained a lot of positive feedback which encouraged me to believe I wasn't a terrible poet.  Though I have no delusions of literary genius it has been fun to find a place to share my works where they are enjoyed.  I gained confidence in my writing even as I explored different concepts.  Thanks again, G-man for the years of fun.

Friday 55 & Da Count-Da Care

FRIDAY 55

The gowned surgeon smiles and asks,

"Ready to go?"

"Let's evict a tumor, Doc."

I drop quickly but gently.

I'm blinking slowly,

trying to focus,

remember.

I see her face level with mine,

her eyes meeting mine,

smiling.

Soft words, 

gentle touch,

"Michelle, 

we're all done.

It went great.  

Go rest."

Again

I peacefully sink.

DA COUNT

Last Wednesday I had my thyroid removed after months of testing and anxious waiting while cancer continued to grow unabated.  Those of you who have followed me regularly for some time recall a couple years ago how sick my daughter Calypso was and the months of anxiety and fear for her.  Along with that were some truly horrific experiences with doctors who either did not take her seriously or who were abusive and predatory once we got a diagnosis.  Although her physical health is restored it has left a mark on how we view doctors.

My experiences since my own health woes began continued in a similar vein.  I will say the experience with Calypso did bring me to a place where I was simply unwilling to put up with incompetence, unwillingness to communicate, or disrespect toward me as a patient.  I fired two doctors locally and never got through the door of the first surgeon I was referred to because his staff was intolerably rude and unprofessional.  I despaired of finding decent care for myself but I kept searching.

I wound up at Fox Chase Cancer Center.  I feel like all the bullshit I endured locally (I'll spare you the details but just trust me, you'd be mortified) was in order to get me to the place where I needed to be.  There are certain factors that make my case "interesting" even by the standards of people who specialize in my issue so I know I am better off with these specialists than with the local dopes who can't even diagnose a disease that is endemic to their own backyard (in the case of Calypso).

As important as the technical and professional skill the folks at FCCC demonstrate they have shown qualities I had pretty much given up hope in finding on a wide scale...compassion and maintaining the dignity of a patient.  Believe me when I tell you that from the first phone call I made until I was wheeled out to my car upon discharge I felt as if not one person I interacted with forgot they were dealing with a vulnerable human being.  Whether it was a doctor, a nurse, an aide, a housekeeper, a person delivering my meal, someone answering the phone, or a volunteer handing out free books to patients (cool bonus that felt like some sweet karma after all my years as a RIF coordinator) every single person treated me like I was...a person....not a case, a chart, or a disease.  I could rest in the care of skilled and decent people.  I could channel my energy into getting well rather than having to be hyper-vigilant as to whether or not others were doing their job or communicating appropriately.  And THAT was as healing and beneficial as having a tumor cut out of my neck, perhaps even more in some ways.

Friday 55-Lost

FRIDAY 55

One cannot have a new book.

He has lost one.

He lashes out.

What's going on?

I'm very sad...

my dad is in jail.

 

Another cannot have a new book.

She has lost two.

Where?

At my old house.

Her teacher says the mother died.

A lost book is nothing

next to a lost parent.

So many of the students in my schools have stories like this.  That even two of them have such stories is heartbreaking.  That there are so many as to render it somewhat commonplace is almost too much for the imagination or the heart.  When I was interviewed for this job I said one of my goals was to make the library a safe and nurturing place for the students.  More than ever I strive toward that end.

Good Friday 55

*This first one is new this year but I am including the 55s from previous years as well.


The Arimathean

 I followed him secretly
since I was on the council which opposed him.
At His trial
I would not condemn him
though the others did.
What I could not do while He lived
I dared after He died.
I boldly asked Pilate
for the body,
prepared it for burial,
laid Him in my own tomb.    



The Governor


I found no fault
in the one brought before me.
My wife warned me.
Herod returned him to me.
I offered to release him
but the crowd demanded the murderer instead.
Lacking strength of conviction,
I yielded to the mob.
Water washed my hands
but could not cleanse my conscience
of an innocent man's blood.

The Disciple

I left my business and my home to follow him.
I sat at his feet,
swore my allegiance,
said I'd die with him.
drew my weapon in his defense.
When my test came
I cowered in the darkness,
denied we ever met,
and knew my love was nothing
as his poured out for faithless me.



The Cyrene

I came to Jerusalem for the Passover.
I heard the commotion,
saw the condemned paraded in the street.
One was barely alive.
I turned away until...
the Roman yanked me from the crowd,
laid the beam on my shoulders.
Only when I met the bloodied man's eyes
did I realize he endures the judgment
I deserve.



The Thief

Merciless sun blisters my skin as the crowd's unrelenting curses assault my ears.
The weight of my own guilt,
the pain of dislocated joints and bound limbs bear down so heavily
I can barely breathe.
I dangle between present agony and hopeless eternity until He tells me,
"Today you will be in Paradise with Me."



The Guard

I'm glad to follow my orders well.
It's like taking out the trash to rid the earth of the scum we execute here.
Today is different.
One never begged for mercy, never fought us.
He spoke mercy on us all.
For the first time I feel guilt.
I fall to my knees, confess His deity.



The Mother

We had to travel when my time was so near.
When the king was killing the little boys we had to flee for our lives.
I was panicked when we lost him in the city.
But nothing has pierced my heart
like watching the spikes enter his flesh
and the sword plunge into his side.