Tag: jamespackwriter

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National Human Rights Month

December is National Human Rights Month. The goal is for everyone in the United States, and the world, to stand up for equality, justice, and the dignity of all humans. I would argue we do this for all living creatures too. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an international document which states the rights and freedoms entitled to all human beings of any race, age, gender, sex, creed, religion, or ethnicity. It features a preamble and 30 articles of rights and freedoms. It was proclaimed on December 10, 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris.

This is a reminded to stand up against white supremacy and other organizations like them. This is a reminder to stop dehumanizing people. If you can’t care for others, at least don’t hurt them. This is a reminder to follow the golden rule. Treat others the way you want to be treated. This is also the main guideline for the Charter for Compassion. I recommend everyone read through these documents, the charter and the declaration. It’s the first step in changing the way most humans treat each other and other living things.

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Yuletide Aviary – Part 1

            Far North where no daylight ventures during Winter months is a small village. Blinking lights cover every home and shop. A thick layer of powdered snow wraps around everything as more snow sways in the gentle wind. Many a variety of creatures live in this small beacon of civilization surrounded by barren tundra. The town’s purpose is to bring Yule to the world. Gifts are made and prepared to be delivered to everyone.

            It’s not just elves and reindeer who aid in this plan. All creatures play a role bringing the holidays to life. Birds of many varieties and origins comprise the majority of helpful creatures. Many of them perform most of the deliveries. There are a few with less demanding roles who spend a relaxing evening with friends and colleagues.

            Two such birds meet at the one shop in the small village that serves adult beverages. The soft hum of the jukebox plays carols. A trio of French Hens discuss their vacation plans. On barstools now facing each other sit Jacob and Thomas.

            Thomas is a Northern Cardinal. He eats from a bowl of seeds and sips his rum eggnog. He sprinkles nutmeg on his drink between sips. Jacob is a Blue Jay and a little taller than Thomas. He sips on a bottle of Naughty Nick’s Ginger Beer. The two birds sit with a seat between them.

            The bartender is an elf with a beard longer than his body. He stares at a television without interest waiting for anyone else to enter the shop on this slow night. The three Hens cackle at their table. Thomas turns towards them looking annoyed.

            “Don’t pay them no mind, Tommy. Leave ‘em be, Eh.” Jacob says.

            “Ain’t nobody else here. Why they gotta be so damn loud?”

            “They’re having a good time. You catch the game yesterday?”

            “Yeah.”

            “Which team you root for?”

            “Boston! Who else?”

            “But they played the Cardinals?”
            I didn’t grow up in St. Louis and the Cardinals suck. Who gave them permission to use me as their mascot anyway?”

            “My hometown team are the Blue Jays, and I don’t mind being their mascot, Eh.”

            “Yeah, whatever.”

Read Part 2

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Flashback Friday Poetry: Luna’s Final Words

i quietly sit
here upon the Moon
breathing my last breath
my end will be soon
to stare at the Earth
it is strange to see
while so many are
gazing up at me
what do they think of
what is it they dream
with a lost starved look
they drink the Moon’s Beam

I am the one face
everyone has seen
but here face to face
we have never been
with a watchful eye
I protect mother
but My time is done
She’ll find another
I don’t fear the end
I don’t want to scream
to stare at the Earth
I have lived My dream

Early poetry from James. From the poetry collection Pariah Bound: The Lonesome Poetry.