Václav Havel is dead.[1]

He lost his long battle with cancer today. His wife Dagmara was at his side in their country home near Prague when he died.

Václav Havel was small in stature but a giant of character, courage and action. He spoke Truth to Power with astounding success. He led the Velvet Revolution[2] as Czechs sprang forth dramatically and peacefully to escape communist tyranny. Václav Havel inspired his people and the entire world with his simple affirmation, “Truth and love will overcome lies and hatred."

Havel was born into wealth, but that ended in a hurry under the Stalinists after World War II. He became a writer. He lampooned the harsh regime that crushed his countrymen and women. He was imprisoned. He emerged to lead the cause of Freedom. He was elected President. Václav Havel was a true giant in the advancement of Human Rights.

Now he is gone. But his Love and his Truth live on.

O, moth—you beauty
Drawn to the light, like us
So elusive, like our dreams
You are here then gone—so soon[3]


Image: Polyphemus moth—lives in woods and marshlands, but Caitlin found one near Laurelhurst Park where we live and grow

[1] See: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/18/us-czech-havel-idUSTRE7BH08W20111218

[2] Velvet (or Gentle) Revolution, 1989. See: http://www.prague-life.com/prague/velvet-revolution

[3] Heartbeat, from “Hyber-Nation”, © Tim Brown 2011