Yesterday I after months of delay I addressed the task of connecting our Toshiba combo VCR – DVD player to our new Samsung television.  The older Toshiba is an analog device.  Mating the old, by today’s standards, analog electronic instrument to a state of the art digital screen required some thought, and a bit of effort.  To test the connection, I inserted the DVD for the movie Fury that features Brad Pitt as a battle hardened tank commander, whose nickname is Wardaddy.  The scene is that of a Sherman tank crew of five men, tasked with participating in the Allied advance into the German countryside.  The scene is anything but idyllic.  The story places the viewer inside the turret of the tank, — the pungent odor of burnt powder, adrenaline laced shouting necessary to change direction of the tank, to sight the cannon, the smell of blood, and the glimpse of the crew member in the hatch of an adjacent tank, his head exploding into vapor when hit by a high explosive shell.  The film is a powerful anti-war story.

---

On Friday I heard from an old acquaintance.  I felt the connection while reading the email, which included a poem.  I am looking forward to the return to “normal” when we can again gather around the table at Starbucks.  I offer John’s fine poem for your enjoyment.  The poem speaks of the freedom of a child’s mind, of enchantment.  The poem also suggests that wonderment is broken by our obligation to make history.

Winter in a School Garden

By John Hutsebaut

My mind grows still and all’s serene
When I look outside and see
Winter’s snowbound, frozen scene;
An icicle on a tree.

The teacher’s voice just can’t compete
With beauty such as this
And homework deadlines I must meet  
I forget and never miss.

Till soon the sounding of the bell
Intrudes upon my mind.
I grab my books and break the spell
And leave it all behind.

---

Ideals are peaceful.  History is violent.

— Wardaddy