WHY I Do What I Do

Written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, first published in 1845. We should note the historical context. President Lincoln, subsequent to a movement which began more than a century before, to abolish slavery, by executive order on January 1, 1863, declared,

That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.

Of course, there was also post Emancipation Proclamation context. Ramifications. Lincoln fully anticipated the rebellion of slave states. He made the proclamation anyway. Many people died in that rebellion, which Lincoln and the Union Army stood against. It took another century for major civil rights and voting rights legislation to be enacted. The struggle continues today.

This history must also be reflected upon when, in at least four jurisdictions, a tyrant who brazenly refused to honor the legitimate election of his successor now faces criminal prosecution. The weak among the pundit class suggest appeasement lest Trump succeed in his calls for "chaos and bedlam." If he is convicted, or even denied having his name appear on ballots for the 2024 presidential race some powerful people FEAR any such chaos. That's not reasonable cause to let Trump off the hook. But it IS for refusing to put his name on ballots in 2024 or any time in the future.

Historical context demands prosecuting that criminal to the fullest extent of what the laws of the United States and the states of Georgia, New York, Colorado and Maine permit. This includes election laws enacted to protect and defend democracy and the Republic for which the American Flag stands. 

Abbreviated punishment of Hitler for his attempted coup d'etat known as the Beer Hall Putsch was more like a respite for him. A Holocaust ensued in Europe. 

From the book: The Poetry of Longfellow 

Introduction:
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, "The Arrow and the Song," delves into the profound theme of the lasting impact of words and actions. Through the metaphor of an arrow and its subsequent ripples, the poet explores the consequences of spoken words, urging readers to reflect on the responsibility associated with communication.

Metaphorical Significance:
The central metaphor of the arrow serves as a potent symbol for the spoken word or action. Just as an arrow, once released, cannot be recalled, Longfellow suggests that words, once spoken, carry an irreversible power. This metaphor emphasizes the permanence of language, prompting readers to consider the weight of their verbal expressions.

Ripple Effect and Consequences:
The imagery of the arrow creating ripples in a body of water serves to illustrate the ripple effect of our actions. Longfellow suggests that our words and deeds extend beyond their immediate impact, creating ongoing consequences that resonate in ways we may not fully comprehend. This concept encourages readers to recognize the interconnectedness of individual actions within the broader fabric of human experience.

Reflection and Regret:
The reflective tone of the poem indicates a level of awareness on the part of the speaker. The realization that words have a lasting impact implies a sense of responsibility and accountability. This introspective moment in the poem encourages readers to consider the ethical dimensions of their communication, fostering a mindset that acknowledges the potential repercussions of thoughtless words.

Emotional Resonance:
Longfellow infuses the poem with a melancholic tone, evoking an emotional response from the reader. This emotional resonance enhances the poem's effectiveness in conveying the gravity of its theme. The poignant language and imagery serve to underscore the significance of the message, prompting a deeper contemplation of the implications of our words and actions.

Universal Relevance:
"The Arrow and the Song" transcends its immediate context, making it universally relevant. By addressing the timeless theme of the power of language, Longfellow's poem remains applicable across different cultures and eras. This universality enhances the poem's enduring value and ensures its continued resonance with diverse audiences.

Granted, I aspire for these words to transcend. It will be up to those who come later to determine if I was only spinning my wheels. Nevertheless, this is WHY I do what I do, write what I write, and say what I say on the Arizona Eagletarian blog and on social media. 

I hope to speak and write into being what my heart longs for.

As Nobel Prize winning poet and singer/songwriter Bob Dylan has said, The times, they ARE a'changin'.

 We Rise UP! with One VOICE, WE WIN, but I NEED YOU!.