Wholly weak
I don't have it in me
Here is big medicine and strong magic.
The quote from C.S. Lewis above refers specifically to the Last Supper and the sacrament of communion. In the same passage (from Letters to Malcolm), he talks about the thin veil between this reality and another. Some of us choose to pursue that other reality, through faith, religion, charity. Others scoff, some pursue other, or multiple realities. Many of us just choose some form of escape.
Around the world, millions (maybe even billions) are honoring ancient events and a singular deity this week. Some call it Passover, others Ramadan. We* call it Holy Week, and it comes at the end of Lent, which is a (roughly) 40-day period that commemorates Jesus’ 40 days in the desert leading up to the events of Easter. Many Christians honor the Lenten tradition by fasting, sacrificing, withholding. Some of us honor the days by adding something in, some new practice, habit, routine, daily ritual.
In the past, I have endeavored to abstain from drink, social media, other things. This practice tended to help me focus on the endpoint, the celebration of Easter. This year, I decided to write 40 poems, adding in the practice, learning the form, stretching its boundaries. Some are better than others. But I’m quite proud of a few of them, and happy to have taken the journey. I’m still excited to celebrate the resurrection, but I find this year it’s less about me, the focus is on completing the journey, and looking back on where it took me.
*we in this case being my spiritual family at Sunrise
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On top of Easter, we have the beginning of the real basketball season. Each year, the playoffs come roaring in to remind even us diehards how great a game we have in the NBA. And I have thoughts about it!
PREDICTIONS!
Embiid is yer MVP. Now, I think both Jokic and Giannis are deserving, Tatum is a step away, Dame and Luka just need better teammates. But it’ll be the Big Troll’s turn for his first before Joker or Freak get their third.
Celtics win the thing. They’ll beat the Nuggets. Suns and Bucks the runners up in each conference. The Cs only got better this year, more versatile, more experienced. Remember, they were only a Malcolm Brogdon away from winning it all last year, and I think they’ll have just enough to squeak by some absolute killer sets. Can’t wait to watch it unfold.
Brook Lopez wins Dad of the Year (DPOY). Adam gets it. This is a really tough one to call because JJJJJJ could also get it. But I think Brooky gets one last award in what has been a fascinating and hilarious career for the ol’ weirdo. If we’re being honest, I think Draymond deserves this award pretty much every year, but everyone loves to hate Draymond, and deservedly so, he’s very hate-able. But he’s also probably the best all-around defender in the world. I just doubt anyone wants to tell him that.
REFLECTIONS!
Who knew trading two competent, well-rounded players for one mercurial, confounding, high-scoring turnstile would prove disastrous for the Mavs? Hilarious hearing Cubes try to blame the “new” defensive rules. Oh, honey, the take foul didn’t take away your team’s ability to play defense. You did that when you traded away all your defenders.
The LeLakers, meanwhile, wasted another season on Westbrook. The improved play was encouraging the last few weeks, but it’s somewhat telling that when the old man returns, so do the losses. Wake me when it’s over!
Sad to see the Blazers fail to live up to Dame’s singular brilliance. Weird season for the Warriors but still one of my favorite teams to watch. Loved seeing the Kangz stop Kang-ing. Jimmy Butler’s pre-season hair photos were iconic all year, but sadly the Heat never really caught fire (zing!).
And with that, I’m out! Next time, Barton and Brownie Bites (baking)! Blessings!