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Richard II, Act III, Sc. II "Woe, destruction, ruin, and decay;
The worst is Death, and Death will have his day." William Shakespeare Since the beginning of time, humans have lived their sometimes grand and sometimes ordinary lives, and have thereafter been laid to rest in countless graves and tombs. Death is something that, in a peculiar way, unites people everywhere regardless of their social status, race, religious beliefs, or country of residence. This curious aspect of human nature inspired countless famous writers, poets, musicians, painters, and sculptors to contemplate man's mortality. Death holds a mystery that many people struggle to understand. By exploring the theme of death through various artistic mediums, we come just a little closer to reconciling its role in our lives.
Snakes, Scorpions, and Mike in Belize. 
In one of our recent conversations with Mike Stuart Scott, (Uncle Mike), he said: Maybe I should write a book about my Belize adventure. He may not have completed that endeavor, but we will see to it that his memoir/biography, Snakes, Scorpions, and Mike in Belize, is published. Mike was not only a Nationalized Belizean, but a true Belizean. He loved Belize and especially his farm, ‘Hidden Falls Farm,’ at mile 25 on the Hummingbird Highway. He died tragically this past July. In August, he would have been 87. We mourn the loss of our dear friend, Mike Scott, whose death was not only tragic, but untimely. His ashes will be spread over his beloved ‘Hidden Falls Farm.’ Why the name: Snakes, Scorpions, and Mike in Belize?
On Saturday, June 24, 2023, 10:07 AM, Mike e-mailed us these excerpts from a previous blog: (1) Yesterday, about dusk, Jeff from Cape Cod was using the weed-wacker to clear grass from around some bananas 100 feet from the house. A 7 ft. snake was coiled by a banana mat (entire plant). After Jeff and I looked at a snake book, we decided it was a Boa Constrictor, locally called Wowla. Jeff rushed to the house for a camera. As Jeff got close to take a picture, the snake, partly coiled with big teeth bared and hissing loudly, lunged one foot towards him. Jeff leaped back into me knocking me ‘ass over tea kettle.’ Both Jeff and I retreated quickly. (2) The other evening about 9 pm, I was laying on the top of my bed, half-asleep, reading with no mosquito net up as yet. In the rafters over my bed there were suitcases left by Nate and Harry and other sacks of whatnot. A scorpion from between the suitcases fell onto the right side of my neck, stinging me; automatically, I reached with my right hand as I sat up and he nailed me on the back of my right hand. Then, somehow, the scorpion jumped to the inside of my left arm stinging me between my left arm and elbow. In that state, I was on my feet cussing some as he escaped. I got busy and went to the medical cabinet in the kitchen for Sting Ezz lotion. I splashed the lotion on the 3 sting areas, took a pain pill, and as they say ‘3 strikes, you are out,’ I went to sleep. My mouth tasted weird like I had just smoked marijuana for the first time, giving me ‘cotton mouth.’ So, now I have all suitcases and trash removed from over my bed and mosquito net up. Mr. Scorpion gave me a wake-up call. Mike talks about his home, Hidden Falls Farm: Hidden Falls Farm and the Hummingbird Community village are lovely, peaceful, safe places, surrounded by jungle and mountains. Most folks speak English, Spanish, and some speak Maya. There are lots of birds, bats, and bugs. The daytime can be used for walks in the jungle, walks to the 25-foot waterfall which is only 100 feet from the living quarters or you may relax in the pool below the dam where the water is 3 to 5 feet high. Gravity takes the water to the garden and the house. The jungle has steep gullies, hills, and many springs that feed the creek leading to the waterfall and there are endless trails for exploring; or you may read, write, sleep, or listen to music. No phone or TV. Then, you can have a drink after 5pm. Smoking is allowed outside of the living quarters. You can also pick flowers and fruits when they are in season. Some of the fruit trees are citrus, mammee, sapodilla, avocado, Surinam Cherries, mango, breadfruit, jackfruit, tangelos, tangerines, oranges, and grapefruit–endless bananas, plantains, and pineapples are grown. Hidden Falls Farm - Letter from The Founder: https://hiddenfallsfarm.tripod.com/hummingbirdhwy/id1.html
Some words about Uncle Mike: From the Anderson Family: Fayemarie Anderson-Carter: I first met Mike Scott when I was little girl, maybe five or six. He had two boys and a girl and my family had the same until my youngest brother was born. We were an instant family; I was the eldest and only girl in mine whereas his daughter was the youngest and only girl in theirs. We would be sisters and my brothers had older brothers to annoy instead of me. We looked forward to their visits. There were sleepovers and playing in the yard and just being kids. Our favourite part was breakfast time when the “Honey Man” became the “Pancake Man”. Uncle Mike made stacks of banana pancakes with honey he brought from his farm. It’s one of my favourite memories. Terés Anderson: Mike Scott is 100% Belizean. He was one of the pioneers on the Hummingbird Highway when it comes to farming. He spent majority of his life in Belize. Rest In Peace, my Friend. I will always remember those pancakes and fresh honey and thank you for my first ever Fishing Tackle Box and the overnight camping trips on the farm. I want to cry, but I am trying to stay focused and it's hard when you can't tell the people you love ‘Good Bye.’ 💔💔💔 From other Friends: Caroline Sturgeon: I have known Mike for a long time, from when he first bought the farm. He used to have bees and we would extract the honey. He was a lovely person. I can't believe he is gone. Nati Conces: Rest in Peace my Uncle Mike Scott. With the heaviest of heart I say goodbye to a man that changed my life, Uncle Mike Scott. I met Uncle Mike one Thanksgiving in Portland, Oregon, and he told me he lived in Belize. I told him I was trying to go there and that I wanted to bring my glass blowing shop in order to make Jungle Art. He said he’d be back in 3 months and that we could drive down. Well, 3 months later I packed up and with my truck filled with glass-blowing equipment and tons of clothes and toys for the kids of Belize, I left Portland. Uncle Mike had also rounded up a ton more clothes and toys for the kids and, somehow, we got it all in. After a 20-day journey (seemed more like 2 years), completely fun and chaos with no less than 20 near death experiences, we arrived on the border of Belize. We got a hotel and I called my girlfriend of 8 years in Portland. She broke up with me saying she couldn't handle me leaving for 6 months. Being completely crushed and broken-hearted, we got through the border and a huge relief swept over me. Arriving into Belize was like nothing I'd ever experienced and I felt at home instantly. We drove through multiple different landscapes and talked with the greatest people on earth as we drove to his jungle retreat. When we arrived, I realized we were in the heart of the jungle and one of the highest energy places on Earth. I remember looking back to see my truck rolling backwards down the hill with both doors open. It went right between 2 trees and bent the doors completely forward. Being a bit depressed, again, this time about the truck, we walked up to the house and I realized we were not living any kind of luxury. The house was a shack on stilts with 2 huge wood windows that opened up to the most beautiful view in the world. A pipe was under the house that came straight from the waterfall. It was to shower in and was pretty chilly. As I tried to get my bearings, Uncle Mike pulled out a bottle of cashew wine he got from an old lady down the road and we stayed up getting drunk and laughing all night. I slept in a hammock that night and woke up to my elbows being completely eaten by batlaas flies and I learned a hard lesson. Over the years, I spent a lot of time with the amazing Mike Scott and he was like no one else I've ever met. He would talk to every pretty lady he'd see and make the funniest facial expressions; they'd always feel comfortable. I fell in love with the people of Belize and the country and they both will always be a part of me and my family. Mike Scott was a huge part of Belize, living there for 40 + years and most of the country knew him or had met him in a funny situation. He will be missed by many and his lovely wife Aida will definitely need your prayers. Rest In peace my Uncle Mike Scott. Thank you for your friendship and the knowledge you bestowed upon me. Cheers Buddy. 
Death as a Subject in Music. Many people find comfort in music, especially when going through tough times. Death is a powerful subject that has inspired artists for centuries. It is a reminder of our own mortality, and can be a source of great sorrow or contemplation. While there are many pieces of music that deal with the subject of death, some are more well known than others. Four of the most famous classical pieces about Death are: (1) “Requiem” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the most well-known classical pieces about Death. Mozart was commissioned to write the piece by an anonymous patron, and it is believed that he composed it with the intention of it being performed at his own funeral. The piece was unfinished at the time of Mozart’s death, and was completed by Franz Xaver Sussmayr. “Requiem” is a Latin mass for the dead and its movements include a Kyrie, Dies irae, Rex tremendae, Recordare, Confutatis, Lacrimosa, Domine Jesu Christe, Hostias, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei. (2) “Funeral March” by Frederic Chopin is one of the most popular pieces of classical music about Death. It was composed in 1837, and is one of his most well-known pieces. The music is haunting and somber, and often used in funeral processions. (3) “In Paradisum” from “Requiem” By Gabriel Faure is the final movement of Gabriel Faure’s “Requiem,” and it is absolutely beautiful. The Latin lyrics are a traditional Catholic prayer for the Dead, and the music is so peaceful and serene. It’s the perfect piece to listen to if you’re grieving a loss. (4) “Nimrod” from “Enigma Variations” by Sir Edward Elgar is the ninth variation of Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations, written in 1898. The theme of the variations is a “melancholy little Waltz” that Elgar heard his wife play on the piano. Nimrod is perhaps the best-known of the Enigma Variations, The variations are played without pause and Nimrod forms the climax of the work. It is in a slow tempo marked “Adagio” and is in Rhaetian mode (which has no leading note). The instruction to performers asks for Rubato (i.e., with expressive freedom), which contributes to its feeling of mourning or elegiac nostalgia. It was first performed at St James’s Hall, London on 19 June 1899, achieved immediate popularity, and has remained one of Elgar’s best-known works. Belizeans, are well acquainted with Sir Edward Elgar. Each year at Graduation time in Belize, as well as in Canada, the Philippines, and the United States, the Trio section "Land of Hope and Glory" of March No. 1 in D, known simply as "Pomp and Circumstance" is played. This march is the best known of Elgar’s six marches and had its premiere in 1901. It was also played at the Coronation of King Edward VII. Death as a theme is not only found in Classical music, but also in contemporary music. A few examples are: (1) ‘Tears In Heaven’ by Eric Clapton. (2) ‘If I Die Young’ by The Band Perry. (3) ‘Drink a Beer’ by Luke Bryan which ends with: So long my friend, until we meet again I'll remember you And all the times we used to Sit right here on the edge of this pier Watch the sunset disappear And drink a beer Drink a beer, drink a beer. (4) Goodbye England's Rose (Candle In The Wind)" sung by Elton John This song was originally written about Marilyn Monroe. Elton John repurposed the song for a legendary performance at his friend Princess Diana's funeral in 1997. It won him a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1998. (5) Heaven Was Needing A Hero" – by Jo Dee Messina This country ballad is a popular song for a modern-day military funeral, but can apply to grieving the loss of someone you looked up to. (6) "Just a Dream" - Carrie Underwood This song follows a young woman who lost the love of her life while he was serving as a soldier in a war. (7) And there is the famous and widely sung Time to Say Goodbye, an English version of Andrea Bocelli’s song Con te partiró, sung with Sarah Brightman. Go to the link below for the version done by the Jamaican Band, Third World, sung by A. J. Brown. For Uncle Mike: https://www.tiktok.com@shellingzgod/video/7252050316269554986 Death as a Subject in Poetry. Poets all had their own unique ways of viewing death and its effect on the living, views that still impact readers today: Edna St. Vincent Millay writes in her poem, ‘Time Does Not Bring Relief (Sonnet II)’, of the pain experienced from the death of a loved one. Everything reminds her of him, and the passing of time does not ease the immense hurt she is experiencing, even though people said it would: Time does not bring relief; you all have lied Who told me time would ease me of my pain! I miss him in the weeping of the rain; I want him at the shrinking of the tide; The old snows melt from every mountain-side, And last year’s leaves are smoke in every lane; But last year’s bitter loving must remain Heaped on my heart, and my old thoughts abide. There are a hundred places where I fear To go,—so with his memory they brim. And entering with relief some quiet place Where never fell his foot or shone his face. The next poem, ‘Turn Again To Life’ by Mary Lee Hall, was read at Princess Diana’s funeral. It urges the listener – the griever – to not mourn for long, but to embrace life once more. It tells us to look for those who are also in need of comfort and to take up the mantle left to us by the dearly departed. If I should die and leave you here a while, be not like others sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep. For my sake – turn again to life and smile, nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do something to comfort weaker hearts than thine. Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine and I, perchance may therein comfort you. ‘There Is No Night Without A Dawning’ by Helen Steiner Rice is a short poem that is a popular choice for funerals because it reminds us that despite the death of someone we cared about, the darkness of our grief will pass. Whilst Death is hard to bear at first, this poem tells us that those who have died have found peace in a “brighter day.” That’s a reassuring thought for those who mourn. There is no night without a dawning No winter without a spring And beyond the dark horizon Our hearts will once more sing… For those who leave us for a while Have only gone away Out of a restless, care worn world Into a brighter day. 
DEATH by Dr. Henry W. Anderson Death cares not when he stares, hollow eyes askance, Beckons with his un-fleshed hand, reaches for the Soul, Sends the Soul to the cold, the dark, to be entombed. No Sunrise. No Sunset. No Celebration of Life; Just darkness, emptiness, and more darkness. Don’t dare me with ‘A better place;’ That ‘place’ is closeted, no air, no breath, Just darkness, emptiness, and a heart gone cold. The curse of the Aged: To endure Death’s beckoning The Aged’s Family and Friends. Yet, in darkness, in emptiness May be a point of light; Find it Then Life in Death may win. (Unpublished) BOOKS ALREADY PUBLISHED: 
INFORMATION/LINKS The works by Dr. Henry W. Anderson are available as E-books and Print-on-Demand at store.bookbaby.com (BookBaby Bookshop), recommended, and other worldwide retailers: E-Book Retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Vearsa, Kobo, OverDrive, Copia, Gardners Books, Baker & Taylor, eSentral, Scribd, Ciando, hoopla, Playster, and many more. Print-on-Demand Retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s and thousands of other stores and wholesale bookstore catalogs like Ingram and Baker & Taylor, around the world. For store.bookbaby.com, go to: https://store.bookbaby.com/profile/jabirubooksbelizecom Please note that our Newsletters are also published on our FaceBook page at https://www.facebook.com/JabiruBooksBelize Visit our website at http://jabirubooksbelize.com. If you know anyone who would like to receive our E-mail directly, please ask them to go to our website and forward their E-mail address through ‘Contact Us.’ 
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