As October 22nd falls on a Sunday this year and suspending my disbelief in heaven, I can see Jesus especially loving Kathy this day. They would be smiling at us. Forget my worries, I am looking up into the clouds and smiling back. From what I know of Jesus and Kathy, they may just be sharing a heavenly joint and listening to some Marley up in there too—Redemption Song comes to mind. Spiritual revolutionary martyrs smiling down on us from heaven may sound naïve and cliché. So what? 50 years ago, on October 9th, Ché Guevera, gave up his life embodying an otherworldly spirit of love and revolution, so I want him up there too, smoking his cigar, perhaps playing chess with Malcolm, one of the greatest spiritual-political warriors I can think of. What generous smiles Ché and Malcolm owned. While on earth, all of their embracing smiles were blessings to anyone who received one, I have to believe. Kathy reminds me this day that none of them are finished yet; and that they may smile at times, but should also be disappointed in most of us and for good reasons. Changó, where are you?
Anita King will again gather with old and new friends of Kathy in her memory at the Penn University peace sculpture today. The photo of Kathy was taken by Susan Wong.
Until next time,
keep writing.
Peace,
Andrés