31 minute read
World Cup hopefuls
sports & health
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Canada bound for the FIFA World Cup again (finally)
Roster remains uncertain as superstar Alphonso Davies recovers from a kick to the head
sophia stevens s&h writer
Canada is set to compete at the FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar this upcoming November. This is the first time since 1986 that Canada’s men’s team has qualified for the World Cup. The men’s national team has been in a slump for quite a while and the change in player development and overall mindset has allowed the team to find new forms of success. A new coaching staff and leadership style by John Herdman, and the implementation of young, dedicated players like Alphonso Davies, has allowed Canada to have success through qualifying and beyond.
Canada beat Mexico in goals to claim the first spot overall in qualifying. Many Canadians never thought they would see the day where Canada would not only qualify for the World Cup, but finish first in qualifying. The shift in support was seen throughout the qualifying stages as Canada continued to build momentum during the whole process. In an interview with Sportsnet, head coach John Herdman echoed that thought process by saying “I think this country, they never believed in us. Because we’ve given them nothing to believe in. They believe now.”
A player who helped Canada have a chance to qualify is Canada’s young superstar Alphonso Davies. Davies was born in 2000 to Liberian parents in a refugee camp in Ghana. His parents fled the Second Liberian Civil War which occurred from 1999 to 2003 and saw more than 450,000 Liberians be displaced. In 2005, Alphonso and his family emigrated to Canada and found a home in Edmonton. In 2015, Davies moved to Vancouver at the age of 15 to join the Whitecaps FC Residency Program. Davies joined Whitecaps FC 2 in 2016, where he became the youngest player at the time to sign a USL contract at the age of 15.
He officially signed his first team contract in 2016, becoming the youngest active player in Major League Soccer (MLS) at the time, and third youngest of all time. Due to the electric start of his career in the MLS, Davies sparked interest from
many high-profile teams in Europe, including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool. In 2018, he ultimately signed a multi-million-dollar contract with Bayern Munich in Germany. Davies made his breakthrough in 2019 making that first team and winning Champions League with Bayern.
Davies’s national team experience started in 2014 when he was called to under-15 and under-18 national team camps. In 2016, Davies was named U17 Male Player of the Year for his performances on the under-17 and under-20 national teams during their friendlies. He was then granted the same honour again in 2017 due to his performances and impact on the senior national team. In 2017, Davies became a Canadian citizen, which allowed him to compete fully with the senior national team.
Davies saw success early on when he was named to the 40-man roster for the 2017 Gold Cup, where he went on to win the Golden Boot award, Young Player of the Tournament, and Best XI selection. He also helped Canada beat the United States in a CONCACAF Nations League, which was Canada’s first time beating the United States in 34 years. Davies is ultimately a key player for Canada going into the World Cup. His ability and playing style give Canada the diversity and spark that they need. Canada has showcased that they can play without Davies; however, when he is not on the field, Canada’s drive and potential to win
is not as pronounced.
On October 8, during a Bayern Munich match against Borussia Dortmund, Davies suffered a scary injury. He suffered a cranial bruise, or a bruised skull, after a Dortmund player kicked his head instead of the ball when Davies was trying to head the ball down during a 50/50 ball. He looked unsteady while receiving treatment and while being helped off the field. In response, Bayern Munich acknowledged that Davies was feeling good considering the circumstances, but stated that he would be sitting out of training the following Sunday. Bayern Munich says that the bruise was revealed by scans while Bayern’s Manager Julian Nagelsmann suspected a possible concussion after the game.
During a brief video on Instagram, Davies stated that he wanted “to say thank you everyone for the nice messages, and I’m looking forward to being back on the pitch soon.” There is no mention of when Davies will return to training, which may impact his full fitness going into the World Cup next month. Davies already suffered setbacks this season in the form of complications after a bout of COVID-19, which resulted in him having symptoms of myocarditis. Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart and is considered a mild heart condition, however it did require him to miss almost four months of playing.
The potential loss of Davies playing in the World Cup would be detrimental to Canada as Davies brings international experience, pace, and next-level soccer IQ to
Canada’s game. However, it is important to remain optimistic of Davies’ return, as the World Cup starts in just over a month, which will give Davies some time to heal properly.
The World Cup draw puts Canada in Group F with Belgium, Morocco, and Croatia, giving Canada the potential to have success in getting out of the group stages. Belgium will be Canada’s greatest competitor while Croatia will give Canada a run for its money. Morocco won’t be an easy game for Canada, but Canada has the potential to beat them. If Davies is healthy, the team has a greater shot of being successful in this tournament and giving Canada something to cheer about. Canada’s first World Cup match is against Belgium on November 23, starting at 1 p.m. CST.
Will they make it? Tune in next month.
Image: OpenClipart-Vectors via Pixabay and CIker-Free-Vector-Images via Pixabay, manipulated by Lee Lim
– John Herdman
Adapting weight training techniques can be necessary when equipment design is one size fits all
shae sackman
production manager
Working out can be a daunting undertaking for everyone. Finding the right kinds of clothes, learning how to use different machines and equipment, and facing challenges to things like your motivation are all familiar obstacles. Incorporating exercise into your life gets even more complicated when accessibility needs enter the fray.
Changing the way their bodies work to compensate for structures, tools, and environments that are not adaptive, disabled people put forth immense energy, effort, and time to move through a world that disregards their basic needs. Willingly choosing to exercise at all after expending all the energy it takes to live day-to-day is a heavy obstacle. Being faced with equipment or exercises that are not accessible can be the end of that whole endeavor.
However, this hurdle can be overcome. The key lies not in fancy, expensive equipment, or the sort of toxic positivity that disabled people are often offered as an answer to practical challenges.
The key is knowledge. This can come in the form of a helpful article with explanations of adaptive equipment options that can help fill gaps that average machines present. It can be through YouTube videos and demonstrations of how to adjust for limb differences and mobility challenges. This knowledge can also come from people who are trained, or who have experience with exercise and can explain how to properly modify exercises to engage your body and muscles in safe ways while still targeting the things that need to be worked on.
The best adaptive tools are often the simplest and the least expensive. Creative problem-solving in tandem with a better understanding of the movement of the body is often the most effective approach. Some flexible ideas aimed at weight training include:
Foam padding. Limb differences often mean that pressure is placed on skin, muscle, bones, and joints that are not used to that sort of weight. Foam padding used for lining bars for squats can slip onto the bars of machines easily, and hugs the metal tightly. There are many different styles and sizes that can ease the load of metal crushing parts of the body it normally shouldn’t. An added bonus: Sometimes the padding can make up the difference in distance, helping you to balance more steadily.
Handles, straps, hooks, and gloves.* Handles for cable machines or resistance bands can be used in many different ways and come in many different styles; some you can wrap around forearms, some have silicone or rubber grips lining the handles, and some are wide enough to accommodate different parts of the body. Ankle straps with D-rings and Velcro can be adjusted and hooked up to cable machines, opening up many different lifting possibilities.
Weightlifting hooks can work for some, helping to modify grip and take the load off of joints or contact points without needing to grasp. Gloves or braces lined with silicone on the exterior can be slid up on forearms, wrists, palms, and fingers, and can help with absorbing shock and gripping exercise equipment with a more secure feel.
Exercise bands. Resistance bands can come in plain loops of different widths, or with hooks, handles, or even just a stretchy latex you can wrap around body parts. In addition to being endlessly useful for stretching, lifting, or even just starting to learn about how to engage in adaptive fitness practices, they’re incredibly practical. They can also be used to stuff into or around metal bars or handles on a machine, and can provide extra grip or a more secure hold.
Understanding how your body works, and what it can and can’t do, often brings fraught, frustrating, futile feelings. Using creative problem solving in tandem with a growing knowledge can help bring a sense of ease and enjoyment into exercising.
They make gym accessories brightly coloured to try and cheer you up.
Photo: Shae Sackman
* The author of this article definitely did not have to look up ‘grippy gym glove’ to find out what this kind of glove was called.
NFL concussion policy under scrutiny once again
“The show must go on” may work as a motto sometimes, but can lead to harm when taken too far
sophia stevens s&h writer
On Sunday, September 25, the Miami Dolphins hosted the Buffalo Bills. During the game, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a hit that caused him to hit his head on the turf. When he stood up from the play, he was visibly shaken up as his legs started to give out underneath him. His teammates had to hold him up while trainers made their way onto the field. He was taken off the field where he was then assessed by the team doctor and an independent neurologist.
Many people watching at home believed that Tagovailoa had suffered a concussion due to his response after the hit, and many were shocked to see him return to the game and continue playing. For him to return to playing meant that Tagovailoa had been cleared by the team doctor and the independent neurologist. After the game, the Miami Dolphins indicated that Tagovailoa had suffered a back injury, and that he did not show any signs or symptoms of a concussion.
Due to public outcry, the NFL opened an investigation into the incident. However, the investigation did not require Tagovailoa to sit out until the investigation was complete. Therefore, he was allowed to continue to practice and play leading up to the Dolphins game on Thursday. In a short NFL week, the Dolphins travelled to Cincinnati to play the Bengals. During the game, Tagovailoa took another hit and his head again hit the turf. However, this time, he became unconscious and was seen in a position known as ‘fencing.’ Fencing normally occurs after neurological trauma and causes someone’s arms to be held in an unnatural position. Tagovailoa was then carted off the field after receiving two blows to the head within five days.
After being transported to hospital, the Miami Dolphin’s released a statement that Tagovailoa was indeed conscious, and that all his extremities had movement. This raised a lot of questions from the public and sports commentators about how the NFL handles concussions, and the imperfection within their policies. After Tagovailoa’s injury, many former NFL players came forward stating that they had previously manipulated NFL protocols by stating that some other body part hurt in order to allow them to continue to play. Many athletes have a hard time leaving games even when they are seriously injured, even when it’s in their best interest to stop competing.
People believe that this was the case of Tagovailoa as the team stated that he injured his back, though signs after the hit indicate that this was not the case. However, after the investigation concluded, the NFL and NFLPA indicated that the concussion protocol failed as the intended outcome of this protocol was not met in this case. The NFL has since changed its protocol heading into this weekend’s games, which saw Miami Dolphins quarterback Teddy Bridgewater exit the game in the first quarter after his head hit the turf.
Although this incident has painted the NFL in bad light once again, the NFL has made positive steps in the right direction this past preseason by requiring all offensive linemen, defensive linemen, tight ends, and linebackers to wear helmet protectors called Guardian Caps. The Guardian Caps are an extra layer of protection that goes over top of players’ helmets to help minimize the impacts of hits to the head. Results indicate a 10 per cent reduction in the severity of impact when one player in a collision wears the helmet, and a 20 per cent reduction when two players wear helmets. However, these helmets were only worn during the preseason and not during the regular season. The NFL understands the impact that hits have on players, and it is also their responsibility to fix loopholes and gaps within policies and protocols that impact players negatively.
When the scene’s this Looney Tunes-esque, you know it’s time to get off the field.
Illustration: Lee Lim
op-ed
Us vs inflation
Life has changed in response to the rising costs of living
katlyn richardson
contributor
Inflation and rising living costs are hardly anything new at this point. I don’t think I know anyone that isn’t struggling with rising gas and food prices. I had thought that this year might be the year things get a little more comfortable for me, as I have a job instead of living solely on student loans and I was able to utilize my deep freeze more. But, as I am getting to the point where I need to stock up on things, my wallet is being hit harder each time I go to the store.
I now have a part-time job which I didn’t have before the rise in costs. But despite being paid well, I feel like I am in the same boat as I was before. I even purchased meat and vegetables to put in my freezer to help cut costs later, but this hasn’t helped that much. I am fortunate my landlord gives us a significant discount on our rent, and I get a student discount on my internet bill, but everything else costs more than it used to. My usual box of frozen chicken breasts jumped over $10 in 3 months, and now has less chicken than before. My fiancé and I even paid rent as many months in advance as we could and knew it would help us keep our monthly costs lower. It did help, and thank God my landlord hasn’t raised rent just because he can.
I have ADHD, which means I do tend to forget about things that I cannot see, like food in my fridge. With the rate food prices have skyrocketed, I cannot afford to be forgetting about fruits and vegetables in my fridge, so I am relying on what can be frozen or bought frozen. I never thought I would see things get this bad until earlier this year when I saw speculation online about how much the prices of everything would rise.
Another thing that I would like to highlight is what I have seen at work. I work at a non-profit that provides food security programming, such as free pantries in the community. I started in May and saw the needs of people around us increase steadily since then. In May, we could get to the pantries, fill them, and they would be empty in about 20 minutes. Now, we are lucky if we can even make it to the pantries without people stopping us on the way, asking if we have bread, milk, or even just a simple little pastry.
People are also getting a bit more aggressive and have shoved us around just to get what we were putting in the pantries, which is a sign of how desperate people are getting for the smallest bits of food. I live across the street from Trinity Lutheran Church and a few steps away from Carmichael Outreach. It’s becoming a normal sight to see people lined up around the block just waiting for a meal. We also have people constantly asking us for food at our doors, and it’s not uncommon for them to be parents. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that the URSU pantry program is seeing an influx of students and that the fridge is being heavily utilized.
In my previous article, I wrote about the $500 that Scott Moe is giving every Saskatchewan resident over the age of 18. This amount will be helpful for helping make ends meet for however long that amount lasts and, let’s be honest, that will probably allow a family a single trip to the grocery store with some money left over to buy new winter gear. The nearly $500 million could also be used to help offset the impact of inflation on Saskatchewan residents. Still, we all know what battle Scott Moe would rather have than help a majority of Saskatchewanians. The reality is that inflation is a major issue we are facing right now, but the longer corporate greed is left unchecked, the longer we all suffer for it. Unfortunately, right now, corporations have their hands so deep in government pockets that we will continue to suffer for it.
My father lived during the 80s, which was the last time that inflation was even close to this severe. Now, not all tips helped, but I will share what has reduced the impact that inflation has had on my life:
Buy what you can that will freeze (vegetables, fruit, meat or meat alternatives).
Learn how to bake (also a great stress release during midterms and finals; beating out doughs is a delicious way to let out that stress).
Stock up on non-perishables when you can. Costco delivers through Instacart if needed.
Apps like Flashfood offer a discount on food that might not be wanted and is used by the community fridges. A lot of the baked goods here, like bread and cakes, can be frozen for later.
Use receipt reward apps. I use ReceiptHog as I was able to gain my rewards fast and could then use the rewards to purchase a Visa gift card that can be used for ordering groceries online or just to have as a backup.
Meal prep as much as possible, even if it is just taking leftover chicken strips from the night before and using it as meat for a salad the next day.
Use as many coupons as you can. Stores like Superstore have them as you enter the store, and some companies make their coupons available on their website.
See if your friends need the same products as you during sales where you can buy multiples and split them. Stores like Coop use those prices for determining product prices, so if something is 5 for $5, each will only cost $1.
Do not hesitate to access the food bank if you begin thinking you need to access it. They are there to be used by those in need.
When they told us the sky is the limit, they did not specify that ‘sky’ meant living costs.
Illustration: Mohamed Hassan via Pixabay
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Why are customers shamed for not tipping, but never owners for not paying fair wages?
amina salah staff writer
Tipping is one of the biggest culture shocks I have experienced since moving to Canada. All of the countries I had lived in previously had no such thing as tipping. In fact, trying to tip someone in Hong Kong would be an insult. However, in Canadian culture tipping is one of those things that is encouraged. Over the years, I have grown to understand arguments from both ends of the spectrum.
On one hand, tipping can be seen as a service fee, a way to encourage someone for doing a great job. On the other hand, it is
another way for employers to get away with paying their workers in pennies, thereby forcing their employees to rely on tips to make a living. Since the pandemic, I have seen tipping culture take a brand new face, one that I had never witnessed before. We’re promised things such as rising wages which are supposedly meant to make our lives easier. Reality paints a different, darker picture. With rising wages comes rising standards of living, inflation, and the cost of gas and produce skyrocketing. In the end, we are back to square one with most of us being unable to afford necessities.
Today, you can witness tipping buttons on places that did not even have tipping before, like your nearest Starbucks, Fresh&Sweet, etc. The idea of Starbucks forcing its baristas to rely on tipping when we are fully aware that it could afford to pay its employees well is absolutely insane. It’s as if we are living in an episode of Black Mirror.
Simon Pek, a professor at the University of Victoria Gustavson School of Business, believes that the default tipping suggestion is an important choice to consider. “If those numbers are higher, it makes us think that a higher tip is more appropriate.”
Many have wondered what would happen if restaurants and establishments got rid of tipping. During the summer of 2020, a restaurant in Toronto named Richmond Station got rid of tipping. Instead, it started by simply raising its prices in order to be able to pay their staff more. Richmond Station’s co-owner, Carl Heinrich, believes that Canada’s tipping culture is a “very inequitable way of paying staff.”
“Any time you edit somebody’s wage or pay, their livelihood, there’s a lot of communication necessary, […] because there was no blueprint for this new system, there was a lot of work. And frankly, two years later, it’s still work.” In Heinrich’s restaurant, pay varies depending on a worker’s performance, experience, or their current role.
“Dishwashers are making a living wage. Servers are making a living wage. But certainly our best servers are paid more than our least experienced servers. In the previous system, that wasn’t possible.”
I think it is absolutely brilliant that some employers are choosing to pay their workers more when they can. I find that this is normally the case at independent establishments, but at least it shows
that there are some owners who see their employees as human beings and not machines who must bow down to them and remain subservient. I do not mind paying more for a meal if I know that the staff are actually being paid what they deserve by the owner. It is the large corporations that I mind, who refuse to pay their workers livable wages despite being more than capable.
According to Marc Mentzer, a business professor at the University of Saskatchewan, businesses that replace tipping with service fees tend to not succeed. I find this really interesting. Mentzer highlights that customers prefer the illusion of having power over the server and being able to control how much they can tip rather than a flat rate service fee. “Everybody complains about tipping, but given the choice between a restaurant with tipping and a restaurant with a service charge, I’m not sure how customers would make that choice. I think customers might actually prefer the tipping approach if given the choice,” Mentzer told CBC. “In an ideal world, there would be no tipping. It’s a human rights catastrophe. But it’s just so deeply entrenched. I think we’re stuck with it.” Mentzer empha-
sized.
Furthermore, the amount you are expected to tip is getting out of hand, and I feel as though there is this subconscious judgement when it comes to tipping. There have been many times that I have tipped out of nothing but guilt. And I am a university student, so I’m not exactly loaded with cash.
Tip inflation is absolutely a phenomenon that is occurring these days. Tip suggestion seems to be increasing, as some places are asking you to tip up to 25 and even 30 per cent. A survey implemented by Restaurants Canada earlier this year concluded that 44 per cent of 1500 surveyed Canadians stated that their tips are much higher today in comparison to tipping pre-COVID-19.
Increasing pre-programmed tip percentage options “scare people into tipping a higher percentage than they might have ever considered before,” noted Mentzer. I believe there is some truth to this, as I have experienced tipping burnout as a result from being required to tip at places that never had that requirement previously. It is a way for businesses to guilt trip the consumer into tipping for products and services that did not rely on tips before.
It definitely showcases the multitude of ways that our economy is changing right before our own eyes.
I think tipping culture is one of those systems that is hard to dismantle. It requires businesses paying their staff livable wages. It requires that there must be no loopholes for businesses to get by doing the bare minimum. It requires the government to implement new legislation to combat tipping culture in a way that appeases employees who live off of tips and consumers who are tipping more than they used to prior to the pandemic.
If I wanted my meal to come with a side of guilt for disappointing someone, I could always join family for dinner.
Image: Lee Lim
– Marc Mentzer
Winter is coming. Are you ready?
A beautiful view, but looks like you’re about to miss your bus.
victoria baht staff writer
Thanksgiving has sadly come and gone. Do you know what that means? I’ll give you a hint. Thanksgiving is the first big holiday after the summer holidays, to give you a chance to get together with your family and eat lots of food – whether it be turkey, ham, or apple or pumpkin pie. Now, what does that signal? That the winter and cold months are heading our way. Thanksgiving is the sign and the start of the “hibernation” season for us Canadians. That means it is time to start preparing for the prairie winters, and I am going to talk about exactly that. Here, I am going to talk about all the tips and tricks that you need to get fully ready for the prairie winters, so you can be well-prepared.
My first big tip is to go through your closet and organize your clothes, and ensure that you have all the gear that you need. I mean winter jackets, snow pants, boots, mittens, toques, scarves, and the basic outer layer essentials. Why am I looking for all the outdoor gear so early, you may ask? Frankly, it has been known that this stuff comes into stores fast and sells out fast, before you know it.
Ensure that you try on the gear. That way, you know that it fits comfortably, and you can debate on buying new gear if needed or can keep your eyes open through these upcoming weeks for something better. You can frankly always find mittens and toques. But, let’s be real, it can never be too early to have those on hand. I was already contemplating wearing mittens early last week when we had that crazy wind blowing at 50 km/h.
Now that our outer gear is all in order and we know what to expect for clothing, what else should you expect when the winter season comes? Frankly, I know that it may sound a little weird, but I have noticed over the many years of living in Saskatchewan that your diet or eating habits may also change come the winter months. What do you typically eat in the summer months? Does it often consist of a burger with fries, a light salad with some protein, or a sandwich with chips on the side?
Well, it has appeared to me over the years that when the temperature is cold, you start to crave whole foods to help “warm” your insides. So that burger and fries may turn into a roast beef sandwich with some steaming gravy on the side to dip into, or that salad may turn into a stir fry with a protein and hot sauce, or that sandwich now may be sided with some warm soup to help comfort your insides. If this food sounds appetizing to you, spend some extra time over these next couple of weeks to prep meals or stock up on some goods.
So far, you have learned how to ensure that your body is warm by having proper outer gear, and also your insides with some whole foods. Now that you know a bit about how to prepare for the prairie winter, let’s talk about some activities that you get the chance to enjoy in these winter months to stop scaring you about what is about to come. It’s always better to be able to say and think to yourself “Ahh, yes, it’s that time of the year again!”
A few of the best activities that I personally enjoy in the winter months include ice fishing on the lakes, ice skating (trust me, you do not have to be good at ice skating to enjoy it occasionally), having a nice hot chocolate while reading a book, and lastly, the chance to go skiing or snowboarding. Now, we may not have the most outstanding mountains like Banff, but we are close by, and we do have some killer hills that still offer that feeling of ripping through some snow on your way down. Be sure to check out Mission Ridge; this seems to be a well-known location close to Regina.
So, I have talked to you about how to prepare for the winter months by having proper winter gear, eating whole foods, and doing some fun activities that you can enjoy during these prairie winter months. Just remember these prairie winter months are not always the worst, and they will most likely only last for 8-10 months. What’s the worst that could happen? Guess we will see in these upcoming weeks.
Photo: Holly Funk
COVID-19 safety measures on campus
All around us people are living as if the pandemic is over, or even never was
amina salah staff writer
Fall is a season I always look forward to. It symbolizes a new beginning. The weather is cool and crisp. The sun sets early, and my surroundings are plastered with orange, crispy leaves that feel nice when I step on them.
Returning to campus has been an interesting experience. The first thing I always notice is how many people are not wearing masks. It is not my intention to judge anyone. However, I can’t help but feel as though people are going on with life as if the pandemic is over, and not an ongoing issue. I have literally witnessed some people coughing, clearly sick, but STILL not wearing masks. I just don’t understand why someone would not wear a mask if they have a cold. I had a cold over the summer and I consistently wore my mask because I feel like it is disrespectful to be coughing all over the place without a mask on. I wanted to do as much as I could in order to protect my family and friends from getting a cold (at least) from me.
As soon as mask requirements were dropped, many stopped wearing them. I can understand that. On one hand, masks can be uncomfortable. But for me personally, wearing a mask daily is a reflex at this point. It is second nature. I am blessed that I have never had COVID, and I aim to keep that COVID-free streak going as far as I can.
The great thing is that there were COVID-19 booster shots available in September throughout the university’s vaccination clinics across campus. I love that it is something that is easily accessible for students on campus. As someone who lives all the way on the other side of the city, I am always at the university, so it has been easier for me to access booster shots. On top of that, the Mental Wellness Hub is a great mental health digital resource where students can have access to mental health support, wellness related information, prevention programs, and online training and workshops.
The pandemic has had great impact on all of us. It is important to understand that there is always help available if you are in need of it. There is no shame in that. It’s not something you should feel guilty about. Needing help does not make you weak; rather, it makes you strong. These resources are available so we can take advantage of them and make use of them. They were established to serve students. We are paying thousands in tuition each semester. It is our right to get as much use of the resources available to us as we can.
The reality is that as students, life during a pandemic is still something that we are learning to navigate. It is not easy. None of us have ever experienced anything like this. Luckily, it comes with more knowledge and education as more time goes by. When we know better, we do better. It is important to take the proper measurements to stay safe in these times. Life is incredibly taxing for many of us. It is important to prioritize ourselves and our mental health as well as physical well-being. We at least owe that to ourselves.
I AM ON THANKSGIVING
I am not beaten, but I have taken And the sun still warms me like The rest, I am the gull passing, I am The geese rounding the point, paddling Between the ice sheets and the skies Crystal clear from under looking up And gravity pushes us down.
I am not hiding, but I am hidden And the poplars still talk to me like A mother, I am their black eyes, I am White faces, and I fold my bark Around my baby like a promise of leaves At night with open branches And tomorrow with winds reaching.
I am not bleeding, but I am the wounds Flowing in my roots like I am hundreds of people talking To the pelicans leaving, the carp staying Uninvited, I am the seed Of wildflower caught in feathered frost And winging north across the rocks.
I am not broken, but I am healing Like a wing that can swim I am not crying, but I am writing Down the scars that shine I am not dying, because I am living Like I know the difference, and I am thankful That the less I need, the more I give.
I am awake in an embrace Of darkness that softly knows It is nearly a dawn, and a moon That is eager to show how bright We can be when there is less To see, I am a gentle breeze Bringing waves to an edge.
I am wondering where As I find my way home, my way Home is slipping into vertigo, nothing Is never moving even when you are Alone, and what is alone when Now, I am the field fringe Grasses bending into my bones.
I am tired, a fox padding back to my kit With a supper that deprives Another of sleep, I am love ancient That fights even when it is deep In a den that was carved by millennia to keep Our hearts, my heart, I am a beat Of time caught in a breath nearby.
In darkness I wonder, and in darkness I fold into spaces that in the light I would rather not go, and in darkness the space Speaks gentler as you grow Like a seed that has burrowed Into a space it will know, I am Sun on the other side.
BY MINDY GREGORY
