LFS: The Storyteller

©2013 by LeeZard “So, what DOES pepper spray smell like?” It was a timely query because I was running through heavy clouds of the stuff in downtown Seattle, fighting to clear my eyes, nose and head while glued to my cell phone, airing a live radio report. “I’m not sure I can describe it, Dave. I’ve never smelled anything like it before. I can only tell you that it stings and burns like acid. I do know, though, I will never forget what it smells like; I feel like it is filtering through my clothes and soaking through my skin.” It was the end of November 1999, mid-afternoon on the first day of what was supposed to be Seattle’s “coming out” as a world city. We were hosting thousands of international delegates to the World Trade Organization (WTO) -- a summit to set the agenda for international commerce. We also were hosting thousands more anti-WTO protesters — labor, environmental, political and ethnic groups from all over the world. Months of anticipation and pl...

©2013 by LeeZard People say it all the time, "Happy Memorial Day." To me, that's an oxymoron. Barbecues, road trips and picnics aside, Memorial Day is a somber and serious occasion. From http://www.usmemorialday.org “Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two-dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication ‘To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead.’  Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic and was first observed on...

I wanted to write something positive and hopeful and, yet, I kept coming back to our perilous world. Still, I was determined to express hope for the future. Usually, I start out with a phrase in my head and the rest seems to flow quite easily. For some reason, I struggled with this one. In fact, it took several weeks to complete. Today, sadly, it is fantasy, but, I like it; I like its message. I’m walking  on a mountain trail, through valleys thick with maple and oak. The warm sun shares bright blue sky with white cotton pillow clouds. My heart is free, My head is clear, My life is filled with joy.  From oceans blue and mountains green, There is peace upon the land, for every boy & girl, every mom & dad all around the world. Their lives are free, Their futures clear.Their days are filled with joy. It’s just a dream, I know that’s true, But I was born to dream. I dream of hope and pray for peace. No babies born to die of hunger. This dream is free, the vision c...