Every empire falls.
These three words were a comfort to me in my early activist years.
It is a truism. historically, scientifically, philosophically. Every empire falls.
It used to feel like a call to action, a righteous motivation to instigate the fall. But as Leeba discussed the fall of empire at our annual Rosh Hashanah gathering, I began to hear it more as a call for mercy. Leeba spoke of the inevitability of the fall, but also of our obligation to contribute to the way of the fall.
The morning after the gathering, Hannah and I processed this idea as she attempted to get her kittens' sillies out. She dangled their toys as they leapt off sofas, jumped on top of each other, ran into walls….
It called to mind my kids when they were little. Sometimes, they behaved just as Wendell and Yoyo, zooming around the house, jumping off things, making wild noises, bumping into each other…. Eventually, Anna and I noticed the pattern. When the hyperactivity started up, we would exchange a knowing glance and look up at the clock: sure enough, within fifteen minutes, they’d be conked out. Somehow, this burst of uncontainable energy always came when they were the most tired.
We have heard this described––the last gasps of empire.
Observing this wild kitten energy this morning, I could see it so vividly: all these angry injured men, billionaires flying around the world, pointing fingers, fighting each other, yelling about random shit, and gathering everything in sight into their greedy fists…
As a parent, there is not much you can do to interrupt the turbulence. If you tell them to stop or say ‘calm down’ or even take the child into a dark, quiet room, you will only be exhausting yourself as the energy turns and directs itself at fighting you. However, what you can do is make sure everyone stays safe. Catch them before they hit the wall, keep sharp objects out of reach, and make sure there is a bed ready for when you see their eyes start to close.
The empire is falling, my friends. Regardless of our actions or inaction, this is so. But this year, Leeba and Hannah reminded me that we do have a role in how empire falls. That we can moves toward the possibility of a gracious fall.
Some of us are building the infrastructure that will help with a slower, less harmful collapse. Others are dreaming and practicing the ways and knowledges we will need in the world to come. Some are protecting the most vulnerable while others are helping us remember to laugh, cry, sing... Some of us are devotedly grieving... an essential role seldom recognized in this current empire.
Shana tova u’metuka. It has been hard to wish a sweet new year, being aware as we are of all the suffering and turmoil. Or Har-Gil seemingly read my mind when offering this teaching: If it is hard to connect with the sweetness of honey in this moment, we can connect with honey’s healing properties. So…Wishing you a year of nutrient-rich, antioxidant, golden healing - for yourselves, for your loved ones, for our broken and yearning world.
xoz
Places I am Poeting:
Peterborough Pride in the Park
With ASL interpretation!
Saturday, September 27th at Millennium Park (east end of King Street) following Pride Parade (about 1:30 pm)
Instant custom type-written poems from an all-star cast of spoken word artists!
Sunday, September 28 at 3:00pm at Millennium Park (Artsweek launch)
Wednesday, October 1, 10am - noon at the Farmer’s Market at Quaker City Square
Wednesday, October 1, 12:45-2:45, along Water Street (Peterborough Square and By the Books)
Sunday, October 5, 2pm, Peterborough Square
The Soul Buffet celebrates Black culture, food and the oral traditions of spoken word within the Black community. Featuring prominent BIPOC artists and artists who are allies—curated by “EJ” Jenkins. The event includes performances by Lillian Allen, Sam Banton, Jon Hedderwick, and more, with guests Sarah Lewis and Ziysah von Bieberstein. A BIPOC Open Mic, where emerging and established poets can share their work, and a family-inspired cookout round out the affair.
DEI at the Core: Leadership for Social Change
Compass Early Learning & Care conference
Century Barn, Cavan
October 7 & 8 from 9:30 – 4:00
Poetry @ Silence
Thursday, Oct. 16 th, 7pm
Silence, 46 Essex St, Guelph
Join us for an unforgettable evening of poetry and performance to celebrate the release of two new poetry collections from Brick Books: Infinite Audition by Charlie Petch and The Garbage Poems by Anna Swanson, with special performances by Lisa Baird and Ziysah von Bieberstein.
Presented by SILENCE and BRICK BOOKS. Registration is free, with donations accepted at the door. Recent books from all four poets will be for sale at the event
More excellent events in Nogojiwanong:
Weaving Creek Stones
a one person show about queer crip intergen resilience, by Frankie McGee, an OG of the Ptbo slam scene.
I had the honour of offering some ‘outside eye’ support to the show.
Two shows left! Sept 27 and 28 at Theatre on King.
Manomin Festival
Saturday, September 27, Curve Lake
All-day festival, featuring Leanne Betasamasoke Simpson and Winona Laduke
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Tuesday Sept 30 2025, 7 am – 1 pm. Armour Hill
The gathering will include opening words from Elders, guest speakers, Indigenous teachings and opportunities for reflection. Attendees are encouraged to wear and orange shirt in solidarity of Residential “School” survivors. All welcome. For more information see Kawartha Now https://kawarthanow.com/event/72485/orange-shirt-day/
Assistance
A big thank you to Hanah McFarlane who has helped me tremendously over the past year to launch my website and get this newsletter out (almost) every month. Hanah is ready to pass the torch to… you? I’m looking for someone who can poke me persistently until I draft a newsletter. Bonus if you are also into laying it out, proofreading, and/or helping me think through what to include, and affirming that it’s worth it even when the world is on fire. $30/hr or trade. This support is mostly about ADHD accommodation, so I am looking for someone who a) gets it and b) is organized and assertive!
More Soon!
Stay tuned to my next newsletter for the launch of my online bookstore and a poll for upcoming initiatives. Feel free to get in touch with in the meantime with your thoughts, ideas, and invitations.
Only love til then.