The Beasts (1855)
Walt Whitman
I think I could turn and live with animals, they are so
placid and self-contain’d;
I stand and look at them long and long.
They do not sweat and whine about their condition;
They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins;
They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God;
Not one is dissatisfied—not one is demented with the mania
of owning things;
Not one kneels to another, nor to his kind that lived thousands of years ago;
Not one is respectable or industrious over the whole earth.
Dear Family and Friends,
The 20’s (2020 and 2021) have thus far given many of us more time to be at home with our beloved pets.
We should each bless them and thank them for putting up with us while we have been home more. They provide us joy, laughter, and unconditional love on a daily basis.
They forgive us for our character flaws and make us all better people. Rev Cheryl and I bless all the various and sundry pets of our community, knowing that as much as we all provide them, they do even more for each of us.
Thanks to all of those that sent in a picture for the pet blessing, and please let us know if and when they are ever in need of prayer.