A snow-covered world

Snow

Reminds me of the inherent beauty in the world. Restores my hope and my faith in the goodness in people.

Reminds me of a child. Of the innocence. The honesty. The trust shining from their eyes.

Reminds me what a miracle life really is.

As it blankets the shawdowy corners and the graffiti-covered benches in layers of sparkling flakes, it reminds me that things are not always as they seem. That the surface is just that.

When the blizzard comes and neighbors join together, I wonder if perhaps there really is some good in all man.

As the crisp, cool air fills my lungs I forget about the problems in the world.

And then as it melts, I remember.

As the piles of snow disappear and leave behind fast food bags and syringes, I remember.

As my breathing once again becomes more shallow--my lungs do not like this filth we call air--I remember.

As the rivers flood and tempers fray, I remember.

I remember the crime, the hate, the intolerance, the greed.

I remember the innocence that is now lost so young.

I remember the eyes of untrusting children who have already seen more than I ever have.

I remember the rape and the murder, the hate and the uncaring.

And I wish, in that moment, for a snow-covered world.

Picture of the day

A t-shirt in the crowd at the Kerry rally last year. Still worthy of a chuckle, though it's a sadder chuckle this year, this month, this week.

And what a week or so it has been. There's so much to say. And yet, I'll spare you. For now.

Over the rainbow

This is a picture I took along Conor Pass in Ireland. One of the most beautiful moments of an overall gorgeous trip.

I would love to go back.