The following is from Roland Micklem on his eleventh day fasting. His fast is an act of mourning for the massive loss of biodiversity our planet is experiencing, and has drawn attention to mountaintop removal’s role in this loss.
Some would consider it a BIG DEAL, but to my credit, I’ve learned not to let these things go to my head. I’ve already told about the Guv sending out a tempting looking red delicious apple for me via his secretary. An act that was pregnant with symbolism. But what you are learning now is that he, flanked by a couple of troopers, also stopped by my chair before he entered his office and wanted to know if “there was anything he could do for you.” Somewhat preoccupied with my writing, I didn’t at first realize who he was, and only after he left–but not before he offered me anytime access to the coffee in the office–that I realized it was The Man himself. I know half of our folks will want to kick me in the rear for not asking me to end MTR today, but I had yet to get my caffeine fix and wasn’t thinking too clearly.
Anyway the day was spent a number of ways. I talked a long time with a 19 year old lad whose temporarily employed in the bldg., and despite a limited formal education–but perhaps because of it—he’s remarkably knowledgeable and sensitive to the plight of the marginalized–particularly immigrants. Wants US to adopt more liberal admission policies.
Also photojournalists Paul Corbitt-Brown and Anna Kilbridge interviewed and photographed me. I was happy to oblige.
Another gesture of good will: The nurse down the hall who oversees the dispensary offered me a blanket and her services should I need them. I said thanx heaps.
My physical condition is as good as it can be, I suppose, all things considered. Last night after the walk home I experienced some irregularities in my pulse beat, which persisted through the morning. I’m OK now, and Lea is giving me some hawthorne extract as a remedy. I trust her, and if I take it easier, as I did walking from the Bldg. tonite, and at present the pulse is steady enough.
Tomorrow’s another day….
Roland
He wants to point out a not so sincere gesture the way he writes, but did you notice he didn’t say if he ate the apple.
He did NOT eat the apple.
I just figured he would have kept that between himself and God. Fasting is exactly that.