My good friend and partner - Joe Toetui -
better known as Jungle all over San Francisco.
Time flies - the death of some who have left a legacy - resurrect - again and again. As we share good times and not-so-good times. Jungle - was exceptional, and in knowing him - one embraced - goodness.
When Jungle left us on August 22, 2018 - there was a void created - for those at ground zero - that know what we are good - this loss is profound, and we all have to remember him - and realize he is observing those that continue with good actions.
We move on - on this short journey - here on Earth - but there is more to this journey - and even more so when it comes to Joseph Toetui, aka Jungle - my good friend - and partner.
Twit, Sam, Francisco, and Jungle
Twit, Sam, Jungle, and I - have always believed in uplifting all those that need help.
We continue to do this to this day - never mind the pandemic - let the light shine where there is abject darkness.
Let us be firm, understand our mission, and not be shallow.
Yesterday - I had to call Sam and have a talk with him. I mentioned Jungle, and we spoke about what is dear and near to our work.
Not long ago, Sam was in hospital - it was touch and go - and we prayed for Sam and asked for the intercession of our mutual USO and Brother Jungle.
We got your back - USO - forever in our hearts.
Our work is spiritual - we are not afraid of speaking Truth to Power.
Jungle has left us - it's been four long years - and we all remember him as if yesterday.
Our work is linked to healing and empathy - there is a big difference between compassion and empathy.
Empathy is all-encompassing - there is that element of the human touch. Good actions - and when you help anyone - in giving your receive.
Jungle and Molly and his young daughter.
Jungle worked for Street Violence Intervention Program - the solidarity was visible - the three days that Jungle's body - lay in state at the SF Kesar Stadium. Each day hundreds came to pay their homage - and on the day we laid him to rest - more came - and you felt the love in the air.
The violence continues - and in recent weeks - we have seen death - closer at home - knocking at our doors.
When will it STOP - it does not STOP - in a vacuum?
Restorative Justice and other models of addressing violence come from the heart.
Jungle - was a man whose heart was in the right place - there was nothing phony about him - much the same as when you talk to Twit or Sam.
The pandemic is here - over two years plus. I keep monitoring the situation at hand and recently spoke with a couple of people who are in the thick and thin.
Nothing much has changed - violence in Bayview Hunters Point has increased in recent years and months.
Here is Jungle - a humble man with a large heart.
Joseph Teootui - better known as Jungle.
Time may pass - and even as much water flows
reminding us time is fleeting - memories etched in our mind
are powerful reminders - of this short journey
on this Earth - good actions count.
Jungle - was a simple man - with a giant heart.
He could go anywhere - all over San Francisco
and be greeted with love and respect
his good actions counted - we witnessed this and more
even as bid him adieu.
One must have - one's heart in the right place
only then can we take others to a better place
I say this all the time - because I believe this is true
what we are witnessing today - is shallow talk -
what is it for me - people want something for nothing.
The pandemic has brought us to our knees
it has forced us to survive - it has curtailed
our freedom
spirituality counts; time is of the essence
anyway, you look at it - good actions count.
We miss you - Jungle - we know you are in a better place
even as we take - one day at a time - we remember -
the work goes on - not the phony work -
the actual work that brings about changes for good
love, good actions, and healing that beacons as all.
God is good - even as we put our faith in God -
our youth are lost - for they are caught in the blink, blink -
the blink, blink - takes one nowhere - wake up!
those in charge - have not adapted to the times -
the prophet must speak Truth to Power
time is passing by - this is your clarion call. God Bless.
Francisco Da Costa
August 7, 2022
San Francisco
No comments:
Post a Comment