It has been confirmed that the man they were still pursuing as a suspect in Nina and Edward’s deaths has been apprehended and is now in jail. A memorial is in the works and I’ll post details when I know them.
I am so relieved to report that one of the men responsible for my friends’ death has been apprehended and is in jail. They are presently in pursuit of his brother, who reportedly assisted in the robbery and murder. The American Consul has assured us that our region of Lake Chapala is not on the “Do Not Travel” list and that they consider this to be an isolated incident and not of danger to travelers and residents. The chief of police assured us that this was a robbery, not a revenge killing, and that Nina and Edward’s deaths were swift and that they did not suffer unduly. The robbers were unaware of their presence in the house and when they discovered their presence, they killed them out of fear of being recognized and caught. We are all so sad about the death of our friends but also anxious that people not panic over this horrible act which echoes so many other violent actions in the world. The poem that I published in my last blog seems to be all the more true at this point. Nina was a happy person who loved Mexico. She would be the last to want people to live in fear. I saw Edward a few days before his death and we had a discussion about his family’s fears about his return to Mexico, given his health issues. One of the last comments that passed between us was our agreement that it does no good to live in fear–that we must live the lives we want to live for as long as we can. Edward lived up to this declaration.
Upon the Violent Death of a Friend
Bar every window.
Avoid the Dark.
The dart is coming.
You’re on the mark.
Chain up your gateways.
Bar the door.
Whatever evil finds you,
There is always more.
In your life’s highway,
avoid the skids.
Don’t talk to strangers.
Lock up your kids.
Darkness advances
by ticks and tocks.
Take no chances.
Recheck the locks.
Don’t take airplanes
or cars or ships.
Keep what’s private
behind your lips.
Buy a gun and
keep it cocked.
If you knew who’s watching,
you would be shocked.
Lock your bedroom
when you retire.
Life’s a minefield.
Don’t trip the wire.
Wrap your kids in
cotton wool.
Don’t dare send them
out to school.
Mind the playgrounds.
Avoid the street.
Television
is more discrete.
Train your dogs to
attack and kill
whomever enters
against your will.
Limit friends to
a very few.
New ones just might
target you.
Build your walls up
both high and wide.
Then just fester
alone, inside.
The Case of the Exploding Wedding Jar
Last year in Chiapas
at a small bazaar
I chanced upon a treasure—
a terracotta jar.
It was so very lovely
that I had to pick it up.
The shopkeeper came and told me
it was a wedding cup.
It had two well-formed curving necks,
each one with a lip
so both the bride and groom
could have a wedding sip.
What a lovely vase
I thought that it would make.
I packed it up most carefully,
afraid that it would break.
Once home, I’d soon unpacked it
as fast as I was able.
I put two candles in the necks
and placed it on the table.
This jar has lit my table for
each meal with guests so far.
In between occasions,
I sat it on the bar.
A little terracotta horse
and chalice sat nearby.
They made a lovely trio,
pleasing to the eye.
I have many treasures
—too many to display.
So most of them I use a bit
and then I put away.
But these terracotta pieces
have sat out for one year.
I just cannot hide them,
for I hold them dear.
Tonight I laid the table
for guests from out of town.
I spread the mats and from the bar
three pieces I brought down.
I wanted an arrangement
to put upon the table.
I filled the jar with greenery—
as much as I was able.
Filled with ferns and succulents
and graceful parrot’s beak,
the little jar proved waterproof.
In short, it didn’t leak.
I put it on the table.
‘Twas elegant and chic.
Every now and then I
had to take a peek.
Hours passed. I got engrossed
as much as I was able
in boring sorting jobs
and so, I glanced not at my table.
But when at last I thought to look
I wished that I had not.
For something strange had happened
to my little wedding pot.
My view of it was shocking,
in fact, it broke my heart.
My little jar was lying there
in pieces—burst apart!
The flowers spilled out on the mat
released from their confinement.
The shards of terracotta
had lost their past refinement.
A mystery now filled my mind.
Just what had caused the break?
I’ve had other strange happenings,
but this one took the cake.
I picked up all the pieces,
but found no water left.
The clay was dry, the pieces firm,
their former smoothness cleft.
I put the table greenery
into another pot.
It sits upon my table,
but my favorite it is not.
Those I’ve told the mystery
have failed to find solution,
but I think this enigma
must have a resolution.
If you can figure out just why
my little jar has burst,
I’ll give a lovely prize unto
the person who is first.
There is a resolution.
I’ve figured out the “why.”
If you can tell what burst the jar,
you’ll be the lucky guy
or girl who wins the prize I’ve made
with my own lily hands.
But there will be no fanfare,
and there will be no bands.
I am, you see, in mourning.
I’m sad. It is a fact.
I miss my sweet Chiapas jar
as it appeared intact.
But even so, I give you aid
to help you solve the riddle.
I took a picture of the jar
and what was in the middle.
Answer quick and you may win.
If not, you will not die.
At my blog you can try
You can try your try.
If in the course of seven days,
everyone should fail,
I promise that I’ll tell you all
the ending to this tale.
I’ll tell the reason for the break.
I’ll open up your eyes.
And then I’ll have the funeral—
and open up my prize.
Now that I’ve lived in Mexico for 12 years, my 4 years younger boyfriend calls me his “seniorita.”
I’ll be lugging this boot along in my life for 3 weeks total, but not the ice bag ingeniously strapped to it by my brother-in-law Jim. He and Patti furnished wonderful support for the first week after my foot surgery. Now I’ve shifted to my friend Patty’s house. Wanted to try out the new fast post on my blog and this is the most current noteworthy event in my life. It gives me new respect for all with challenging bodily differences. Everything takes ten times as much effort. Just getting into and out of this heavy, tall boot with its seven straps and velcro closures is exhausting. It also reminds me that my first published poem was in the Journal of Foot Surgery after surgery on my other foot 31 years ago!!!! If I had a copy, I’d post it…Perhaps I’ll be able to locate it when I return to Mexico. Keep hoppin’!!!!
Remarkably, the sun seemed to set in the east two nights ago. We could see the entire sweep of sky and while there was very little color in the west, the southeastern sky was washed a brilliant orange. Some trick of the clouds, no doubt, but nature seemed magically reversed. After twelve years of Lake Chapala sunsets, I have still never seen two alike. A close observation of nature might be change enough for someone who has craved change all her life. Just minutes later, the sky had shifted to the brilliant orange below.
Some force that is called Karma by some, Fate coincidence or synchronicity by others, and God, Allah or The Great Spirit by others, determines who walks into your life. But it’s up to you to decide whom you let walk away, whom you let stay, or whom you refuse to let go.
Today is the day, around the world, to walk against Monsanto. Please find a demonstration in your town, wherever you are, and attend. This is one of the most serious issues in the world. Do not let them take away our right to grow our own food!!!!
I was late for an appointment in Ajijic, but nonetheless, I couldn’t resist pulling my car over to snap a picture of this beautiful sunrise to which this picture does not do justice!
