Go not Gently

I've just been thru an experience which all of us experience in our lives. It entails the death of a loved one, whether a parent, a sibling, lover, or friend. In my case, an exwife, the mother of my children and companion of many years of struggle.

Perhaps the immanent aproach of my own demise evokes more response than when I was younger. Then, I would sorrow but it would indeed fade as life went on. Somewhat like the passing of a love affair that went wrong.

Closure seems to be a byword of most psychologists, whether it is in reference to an unpunished crime committed or a disappeared loved one. This supposedly allows the memories to fade without obsessive dwelling upon them.

Funerary services are generally regarded as part of the closure process and they are conducted within the local culture by the priests of those involved. This also serves to authenticise theauthority of the priesthood and the religion they represent.

Whether it is being assured of the ascent to Valhalla, the ellysian fields, a life of ease with houri, or a heaven attended by angels, we are promised that our loved ones "go to a better world'. In modern marketing it is suggested that this includes bagels with Philadelphian Cream cheese served by a "hunk" while floating on clouds.

But what of those of us who believe that religion has been the handmaiden of an oppressive ruling elite ? Those of us who reject the "opium of the people" and sing along with the Joe Hill parody of the church's social passivism, "We will Eat By and By".

Our release has been to see the winning of a struggle for social justice despite the pain and loss of lives. The tributes given to your fellows for their sacrifices. The dedication to their memories that it hasn't been in vain and we will seek our closure by continuing the struggle.

But I show my age. The young new warriors are many and their numbers rise. They fight against many demons of injustice. Against neoliberalism,(a moniker for an vicious old foe; imperialism) against racism ( a necessary adjunct to sell their lies), against oppression and it's justifications, against new neo-fascist nationalisms like Zionism. Against war. They are Heroes all and the martyrs are innumerable. They make closure.

And so I am enflamed. Because the religious arbitors of the rituals of death somehow captured the burial process of my companion of long ago struggles and used her goodness to advance the designs of "the old grey men" and dishonor her vibrant life.

"Do not go gentle into the dawning of the night
Rage, rage at the fading of the light."
Dylan Thomas