Menolyrical; Final Friday Feature

Today is celebrated in India as Republic Day - it commemorates the day the Indian Constitution went into force in 1950, three years following the announcement of the British withdrawal of government in August 1947. That constitution, which was inclusive of all Indian-born individuals regardless of political, social, or religious loyalties, truly worked toward egalitarian goals and a homogenous nation. 

It seems that very constitution is under threat. The past ten years have seen some sort of slow-form coup take place, sucking many along in its wake rather unsuspecting. Autocracy is undermining true democracy, no matter how much it shouts otherwise. Further, the autocrat in charge appears to wish it a theocracy also - which, as always with such plays, is subverting - indeed perverting - the pure philosophy of the faith it purports to uphold. 

Some of the knots in my heart have been tied and twisted as there is sorrow for that path in a country I hold dear.

Today is celebrated down under as Australia Day. It makes me homesick for the wide brown land. However, I count myself as one of a growing number of Aussies who seek to change the emphasis of the celebration - for it was set up to commemorate the landing of Capt Cook et al. and the first interactions with indigenous people. Controversial to a significant degree as history seeks to balance itself and answer for some of the wrongs perpetrated.

I am tied to that Lucky Country, its knots hold me to it even at this great distance and passing of time. Those knots twist and turn in me now as I face making decisions about whether to repatriate. I cannot leave it too much longer, for this body ages faster than its years.

Today is another very personal anniversary. It was on this date in 1968 that the grandmother of whom I am a doppelganger made a sudden departure. She was 67. Two years older than I am now. I am realistic... Our family's average lifespan hovers around 75 (based on all grandparents, several aunts and uncles, and my own parents - dad did well to reach into his 80s). Do I have it in me to make one final globe-crossing change in life? It intrigues me that, for the first time ever in this life, I cannot see clearly the direction to take. 

This may, in part, be due to the renewal (and newly laid) ties here in the Bonny Land. I am blessed to have the life comforts that I do, as well as being spoiled for choice and the freedom to make it.

There are ties here in the intermutts, too! You, dear readers, have been welcoming, accepting, Loving... I am so very grateful for that. Sandra the MadSnapper sent me one of her wonderful AI creations when she read my recent poems about the knots, it is the perfect illustration for this post. 

I have always been good at unravelling the knots. Some, of course, are meant to stay with us, for there can be no perfection if imperfection is absent by which to compare.

As "Fearbruary" approaches, I am seeking to shake it up a bit (barring truly serious weather) and get on the road before that month is out.

Keep watching and reading, dear ones!!!