Muertos y Marigolds

I returned to ABQ's South Valley yesterday for the Marigold Procession and Celebration. In addition to honoring and remembering those loved and lost, the community's focus this year is "Keep our kids off our altars," a call to do all we can to combat the deadly effects of gun violence, drugs, and policies negatively targeting LGBT+ youth and youth of color. The parade was smaller and non-motorized this year, but the beauty of the tradition and people was in full bloom under a cloudless, sunny sky.

The last parade I attended was a July 4th parade in North Dakota. Farm implements, fire trucks, and convertibles with politicians perched on the rear seat's top rolled by, some tossing candy for the kids. Not many floats, sadly; the marching bands went by early, ahead of the horses, for good reason. It wasn't an occasion for thinking about national independence or patriotism (at least I wasn't thinking about such things) so much as wondering how many tractors one parade really needs and how I might snag a stray piece of candy.

Like El Kookooee the week before, this celebration prompted me to thoughtfulness. I was invited and did look into the eyes of the children, in their images on the banners and as they walked in the parade. I want them to have lives free of violence, to be mentally healthy and strong, to be loved for who they are. Doesn't seem like an outrageous thing to ask. I hope we adults can get our act together and make this happen. Keep our kids off our altars, yes, but also create a world in which they can flourish.