These Various Shades

Reuters photo by Ali Jarekji

I love this photo so! Members of the Jordanian Astronomical Society a few weeks ago at the Citadel, watching Venus as it passed in front of the sun -- its last transit of the 21st Century. When doesn't time seem like a speck of darkness passing before our eyes? We look down. Look back. Much has moved, though some things stay fixed. Venus, dazzling observers on seven continents.

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In the sky over Jordan in recent weeks: military exercises, fighter jets flying in formation, some to celebrate the anniversary of the country's independence, to mark the history of the Arab Revolt. The planes loop across the city and circle back, rattling our windows, scaring our little dog into hiding beneath a bed. From his stack of wooden blocks, C. looks up -- unsure of what he hears. I think about what kind of damage such jets can do. These days, C.'s favorite game is knocking down little towers.

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By plane! By plane! Saturday, friends arrive from the states. I couldn't be more excited. B. & L., B. & L., I'll be singing from here to the corner. For a month, we'll work and play -- write, tour, eat, read, chat, laugh. This visit is long overdue.

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This entry is long overdue. I started this record as a means of keeping in touch with loved ones back home, and sometimes fall short or become distracted. As of late, I've taken on several new projects. I have a habit extending myself, of piling on the workload. Some people perform well under pressure. I like to stay busy. Empty time doesn't suit me. As for things here on the ground, we continue to follow the conflict in Syria and watch as it mounts pressure on the Kingdom. The local costs of housing, electricity, gas, and food are rising along with the heat. Summer is here, a season that suits Amman. The sun pushes the length of our days. We go on.

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Currently reading:

Collected Poems (Jack Gilbert)