"Here lies one whose name was writ in water."

Yesterday was the birthday of John Keats. To be honest, I can't say that I've read much of him. Only recently have I discovered poetry as a vehicle to the soul. Auden, Eliot, & Donne became my friends (those darn Anglicans). But in my readings I discovered that the above quote was written on his tombstone. I was stuck by the humility of that statement, not to mention the sadness behind it for it reveals a strong sense of mortality as well as a strong sense of frailty. Just over 160 years ago Abraham Lincoln penned a similiar sentiment: "The world will little note nor long remember what we say here..." The irony of that statement is that his words were longed remember, just as the acts have since been remembered. I wonder how many of us walk through life wondering if our names shall be writ on water and washed away in the changing tides. Will my name be remembered after I have gone and what effect will my words, or my actions, have upon those who follow.

Tomorrow is Election Day. It's a pretty big deal for my friends, coworkers, and family members. It is for me as well. But somedays talking politics is like shouting at the rain to stop. It has no effect, and likely all it will do is cause you to lose your voice. I've been going through great pains to listen to my parents, and some friends, talk about their reasons for voting for Bush. And I listen to certain coworkers and former housemates passionately talk about why they are voting for Kerry. I agree with the latter, but it doesn't make it any easier to talk about. And living in NE and voting Democratic is like having my vote writ in water and everyone else' writ in stone. Too bad I still don't have my PA residency.

I suppose these blogs are to, somehow, represent a journal of one's activities. But I cannot say much about my day-to-day activities w/out boring a great many people, including myself. Besides which, I have a private, non-online journal to document the, shall I say, more mundane features of living in Omaha, working for the Omaha World-Herald and such. I shall say this much... I so wish I was not here but one can one do, when earning money for school is a priority. Three steps back to take one step forward. Sister Almond Tree, what do you have to say to me during these times?

I think it is time I get off-line and read. I've been reading some "lighter" stuff in the sci-fi area but right now I think a little Thomas Merton is in order. Now there was a man who's name was not writ in water. Whether mine is or not, I know it matters not.

Faith sustains.