April 25, 2013

Hope!

(after the Boston Bombing and Neil Diamond singing “Sweet Caroline” at Fenway)

Hope! It springs eternal

undefeated ‘midst even darkest gloom

a ray proclaiming a better world exists

even if beyond these short days

a place where smiles can never be

disturbed by famine, fear or flame

a sign that Good will always triumph

over Godless acts of hateful men

“On Saturday, April 20, 2013, during the 8th inning of the Red Sox's baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Neil Diamond took to the field in Fenway Park to lead the crowd in a stirring rendition of the song. Diamond's live rendition of "Caroline" sparked an enthusiastic sing-along in Fenway, as the 35,000 in attendance echoed every word and erupted into a chant of "U-S-A" at the song's conclusion. The song has rung out at sporting events across the country after the Boston Marathon bombings, in efforts to show solidarity with those affected by the tragedy. It was also played right before the start of the Hamburg Marathon in Hamburg, Germany, on Sunday, April 21, 2013, subsequent to a minute of silence, in commemoration of the Boston Marathon bombings and as a sign of solidarity against terrorism.”

(Wikipedia – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_Caroline – April 25, 2013)

And from Syria, this message on a picture posted to Facebook: “Boston bombings represent a sorrowful scene of what happens every day in Syria. Do accept our condolences.

The Syrian Revolution KNRC  KAFRANBEL 19 4 13”

And from Boston, back to Syria, also on Facebook: “Friends in Syria, we too hope for the safety of your families and for PEACE.

Love, Boston 20 4 13”

Often, tragedy brings out the best in us.