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Crossing the Bar - Craig Cornish's Blog

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Crossing the Bar

Blog Posted:3/29/2020 9:25:00 PM

Crossing the bar as most of you know is one of the most famous poems by Lord Tennyson. It is a metaphor of moving from life to death, much like taking a boat out from the shore (Life) and crossing "The Bar" into the open sea (Heaven). It is a terrific analogy since crossing the bar is significant in nautical history and many ships have been lost and are still lost both in returning to port or going out to sea. I think the metaphor can also be used to portray life changing events that significantly affect everyone. Generations have had those "Bars" like WWI & the Spanish Flu that killed over 20 million in 1918-19 and the Great Depression, WWII - individual events like the assassinations of JFK & MLK, and the Vietnam War and, of course 9/11. I was thinking that Generation Z, those born in the year 2000, have not really had a "Bar" to cross until now. something they had to endure together and fight to survive; something they will always remember like we remember our "Bars". These events are life changing and indelible. I pray this will be for them and the rest of us...not too painful a bar to cross.  God Bless and stay safe.



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Cornish Avatar
Craig
Cornish
Date: 3/31/2020 7:02:00 AM
You know you're crossing a bar when (Jeff Foxworthy should be doing this), when you argue that it's your turn to cook today partially or wholly because you've run out of other things to do!
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Cornish Avatar
Craig Cornish
Date: 3/31/2020 8:25:00 AM
Here's another Foxworthy worthy thought - hmm....You know you're bored when you see something at home that someone else should have done but you're glad they left it for you.
Strand Avatar
Brian
Strand
Date: 3/31/2020 3:02:00 AM
Craig the value of just four quatrains is a lesson for us all,the the lyrical content validated by the many adaptations ,all wrapped around the metaphor to which you refer.Do you recall the Pub nights series we had here (many moons ago) when we reflected on such reviews.Happy days,happy memories
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Cornish Avatar
Craig Cornish
Date: 3/31/2020 6:55:00 AM
Yes Brian, Trying to unravel those obscure poems entertaining. informative, and frustrating mixed with some fun.
Rodrigues Avatar
Kim
Rodrigues
Date: 3/30/2020 3:58:00 PM
This experience makes me see what it is like to feel alone though thankfully my husband is here too. Good grief...what if we were the last people here. I miss the time with girlfriends, travel, hug of grands and even work. I find it’s harder to write too. My work has me reading so now it is tough to read all the wonderful poets here too. My mind is still sorting this out. Thanks for the topic - something to think about!
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Cornish Avatar
Craig Cornish
Date: 3/30/2020 5:50:00 PM
We'll remember it and everyone that went through this with us---so many we want hold close but can't - so thankful I have my wife to hold and really feel bad for those without anyone they can be close to. My wife's Dad came over and had to stay 6' away for everyone's safety (he's 90) so that's very sad but we must do it. We had a nice dinner and great conversation, we'll do that often.
Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard
Barden
Date: 3/30/2020 1:08:00 PM
Well-said, Craig - I have crossed "the bar" and returned, (still not sure why I returned, but I'm thankful), and while it was mostly my own doing, that doesn't make it any less frightening ... Tennyson nailed it, and I wonder if he had a similar experience? I have a buddy (research pharmacist classmate from MCP), who works for the WHO, and while this pandemic is being downplayed a bit, we are also, as a society, MUCH more prepared for this than we have EVER been, with many extraordinary people on the front lines. I believe humanity will be stronger as a result of this, but I pray also, like you, that this "bar" is not too painful for our youth to bear. Some good examples being set, though.
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 3/30/2020 9:14:00 PM
Oh, I totally agree ... thank goodness most people never hear about what goes on on the "front lines", for that beast would just feed itself til nothing was left. Amen, Brother!
Cornish Avatar
Craig Cornish
Date: 3/30/2020 9:09:00 PM
My bad Greg, because yes, it is being downplayed but on purpose. It is not being downplayed, however, amongst those who are working feverishly (as you allude) to solve or mitigate the issue. It is being carefully and judiciously softened with how it's presented to the general public. If you were in charge of clearing out a burning building you wouldn't scream FIRE and run, you would quickly implement an organized evacuation plan. Heck, people need leaders who guide them not scare the hell out of them so they stampede to the nearest store to clean the shelves. You tell them what they "need" to know and in a calm but resolute manner tell them what they need to do. So yes, downplaying is happening but it is not a negative, it is a necessary positive.
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 3/30/2020 7:08:00 PM
I wish that were true, but knowing what I know from my WHO pal, it IS being downplayed ... still, as he also reiterated, we have never been in a better place to deal with such, and some really solid treatments are on the way. Mutation/progression is the real enemy - this won't be a one-off, and coronavirus will be a regular household word, but man. are they all over this. Very encouraging.
Cornish Avatar
Craig Cornish
Date: 3/30/2020 3:01:00 PM
You returned, among other things Greg, to write great poetry. On your other point I don't feel, however, this is being downplayed. Any leader must be cognizant of the knife's edge, the disease spreading on one side and panic spreading on the other - both deadly. The general media tends to sensationalize everything which makes others work harder to have a more mature and reasoned approach. Too bad all can't work for a common goal, but I suppose that doesn't make headlines.
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Daniel
Turner
Date: 3/29/2020 9:48:00 PM
This is our punishment for getting into bed with China. Hopefully the next generation will learn from our mistakes. There is no "easy" way to live life. Life is a struggle and we got lazy. When you depend on someone who is not dependable this is what happens.
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Craig Cornish
Date: 3/30/2020 5:40:00 PM
I must say Daniel, you were in front of the curve on this thing. Your first blog a few weeks ago was prophetic. Take care of yourself bud!
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Daniel Turner
Date: 3/30/2020 1:00:00 PM
What you say is true but I guess I'm talking more about karma. Do you believe in karma? perhaps the entire world is getting a dose of Karma because we have all sold out souls for cheaper products at the expense of those oppressed by a communistic regime.
Cornish Avatar
Craig Cornish
Date: 3/30/2020 8:26:00 AM
That's something DJT has been saying for over 30 years and all others have stepped into the quick sand. Keep our jobs and therefore security at home. Will we pay a little more for some things, yes, but when everything is measured the costs in the long run to our society as a whole will be less.

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