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Happy Birthday, Mary Alda Balthrop

John Donne Elegie XX and random Beatles from the White Album

Why pick up Donne on a beautiful sunny morning in Florida’s Panhandle to celebrate Mary Balthrop’s 75th birthday? Why not?

As we learned from the poetry of the Middle Ages, which were not as dark as today’s, the elegy is also a meditation, an inward song, a reflection.

I mark these moments of American terror, the speed of its destruction, the uncertainty that cracks us.

The hole in the wall is over. No finger can plug it.

This is my call to all Americans: Wake if you sleep.

I have no answers.

Together we will find them.

Happy Birthday, Mary Balthrop! with love to all and to all BE STRONG!

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