One of the motifs in writings about modern life is that its central features – commerce, education, secularism, and especially science – have “disenchanted” the world. Once, goes the argument, the rising of the sun, the awakening of plants, people’s illnesses and recoveries, and even odd rock formations were all infused with spirits and mystery; … Continue reading »
death
Battle hymn of the jellyfish son: On life after a parent’s death
“Here,” my mom’s oncologist said, handing me a thumb-sized vial of her spinal fluid, “take this down the street for analysis.” Too shocked not to do exactly as told, I reached out over my mom’s anesthetized body and took the vial. It was still warm. I slipped it in the little pocket of my jeans, … Continue reading »
Shaken but secure
The horrific images from the Japanese earthquake-tsunami have probably shaken everyone’s confidence. When a nation so modern — so modern that its technology is considered cutting edge — is knocked down so badly, with thousands of citizens dead and many more left in the cold dark for days, with food running short, communities isolated, and … Continue reading »