Yesterday, a poetry prompt site I often respond to, asked for poems concerning the subject of respect. (http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/ ) The deference we offer, as individuals, to those around us. Although several things came to mind, when I read the prompt, I decided to let it go because I’m still quite busy getting ready for the Art Show, and had taken part in an interview, on the same site, the day before, using most of the day to respond to the comments from individuals within that community. They had given me, a great deal of respect for my ideas, as well as my poetry.
I usually begin my day, by coming here to my computer and checking out what is going on in the world around me. Imagine my surprise, when the first article I read was from Reuters, about how Mexico has sent a group of aid workers to Texas to help with the relief of the victims of Hurricane Harvey. That article may be found here:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/mexicos-red-cross-delivers-aid-storm-ravaged-houston-024412762.html
Given the fact that our president has, to some degree, been elected because of his desire to build a wall on our border to Mexico, and has just recently pardoned a man who defied the law in order to continue his personal persecution of those of Latino descent, such an act on the part of the Mexican Government is beyond amazing. What’s more, it is deserving of the greatest respect we, as a nation, have to offer.
Over the past year, our world has been seeded with an astounding amount of division, mistrust, and outright hatred. It has affected everyone. The dis-ease we feel is a palpable presence in our everyday lives. And affects even the most mundane activities we are involved in. I, for one, have little or no desire, to go out into such a world. Fear is crippling, and it is growing stronger every day, fed by the divisiveness of distrust and explosive anger, and fueled by leaders who see diversity and science as weaknesses, instead of the strength and progress they underscore.
Into all of this distress comes a Hurricane. A deluge of tragedy, crippling loss and unbelievable harm. Thousands evacuated from their homes, left with nothing to begin again. And yet, Mexico, with every right to turn its back, instead offers aid and solace. And by doing so, gives us the greatest show of respect one might offer to another. One can only hope we are wise enough to extend our own respect in return. Given the opportunity to learn what might be the greatest lesson humanity can encounter, I must applaud and humbly say, “Thank you.”
Elizabeth Crawford 8/31/2017
Notes: Image is a digital painting done many years ago, with the help of a friend whom I deeply respect and care about.
1sojournal 
This is a really fabulous post to read, Elizabeth. I am so relieved to know that there is still some love and humanity in this crazy world.
Thank you, Robbie. I just couldn’t ignore the reality, and the “coincidence” involved. The thought of trying to put it all into a poem was just too difficult. Am hoping that might come later.
Elizabeth
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Thank you for this reflection. It is timely.
Thank you, Susan. I felt remiss without a poem, but this was not something I could just ignore. I can only hope you will forgive the lack of a poem.
Elizabeth
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Every once in awhile, it happens to us all. I’m glad you trusted us with this.
Thank you, Susan. Poets United has been a sort of safe place for me, and still is.
Elizabeth
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This is excellent Elizabeth. But I wonder if the politicos are wise at all. A little ‘Thank you’ is a big deal to them. Sigh.
Hello Sumana and thank you for taking the time to read. This wasn’t aimed at the politicos, but rather those thirty Mexican volunteers that had the courage to offer their knowledge and care to those in deepest need. For me, they have become a symbol of what humanity can be, when given the opportunity, and the will to rise above the norm.
Elizabeth
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Thank you, you remind us that there is good out there, despite what the media insists on telling us.
Thank you, John. If that is what others take away from this, I am more than satisfied.
Elizabeth
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In a disheartening world, this was a gold ring to clutch onto. Thanks, Elizabeth.
Thanks Sarah, it’s good to find that gold, especially in a world that often seems to prefer the darkness.
Elizabeth
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Excellent post, Elizabeth, and sincere respect from the heart. I had the same reaction when I saw the reports on Mexico’s offer of aid.
Catterel, to be honest, I sort of whooped and hollered when I found it. Humanity still holds some rather wonderful surprises, doesn’t it?
Elizabeth
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Dear Elizabeth What a wonderful write. I know we have all listened and watched the horrible weather related event on the Gulf Coast. I missed this, that Mexico had sent help. Thank you so much for telling us about it. I thank them too.
Hi Annell, and thanks for joining in. Can only hope that others will see and feel both gratitude and respect for what they have done.
Elizabeth
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Elizabeth, I applaud you for saying what I have been feeling. In times of distress, the best that is in humanity rises. We are at a time of planetary and social crisis, when the best that is in us needs to rise above and beyond the smallness of some factions’ thinking. We have to turn this ship around in SPITE of the naysayers, the greed-mongers, the haters. There are many more of us than there are of them. Time to rise. I adore that Mexico is sending aid. They know the majority of the American people are not as portrayed by its current “leadership”, and I use that word ironically. I am so happy to have read this this morning.
Just as I was moved while reading what you wrote today. I like the fact that this community we both cherish is built on the concept of mutual respect. It goes a long way in keeping that reality at the fore-front. When we show respect for others, we elevate our own person. And that is worth far more than any naysaying, greediness, and hate that can and does occur. Hate, and the fear it incites, is far easier to embrace, but the wounds it causes take far more time to heal. Thanks Sherry,
Elizabeth
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It is with great sadness that we all over the world have been watching the tragedies going on and you have expressed that feeling well of how it is to be among it. How special and deserving of respect is the Mexican government and to restore faith into humanity. Thanks
Thank you for understanding,
Elizabeth
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Well worth pointing out!
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