Peace and love enough

Early this morning (late last night) we had a waxing gibbous moon, about 98% full. Tonight, we experience the full October moon. Depending on which source you check, that makes it the full hunter's moon (Old Farmer's Almanac), or the leaf falling moon (Abenaki and Anishnaabe), white frost on grass (Algonquin) or other Native American names that fit the local phenology. There are many different ways to speak the truth.

full moon                      © harrington

One thing we can be sure of, when the moon is full, that's enough. There is no more moon to reflect light. We should think about how to work that concept into our consideration of "what is enough." I find it very appealing to envision Minnesota becoming a state that recognizes better is enough. Even (especially?) America's sweetheart, Oprah, knows a good thing when she sees it: “If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” From some  of what I've been reading  in The Wisdom of the Native Americans, many of them had a pretty good handle on "enough."

Look at me -- I am poor and naked but I am the chief of the nation. We do not want riches, but we do want to train our children right. Riches would do us no good. We could not take them with us to the other world. We do not want riches. We want peace and love. 

Red Cloud 

Sioux

If you haven't yet, take a few minutes and go watch "The Story of Solutions." I don't know anyone who thinks we can keep going the way we've done in the past. And, despite growing up listening to the Lone Range on radio, I don't think it's possible to "return with us now to those thrilling days of yesterday." Seasons may be circular, but a it seems to me that time is a line that may be bent 360 degrees and flows "forward." For our purposes, time is basically linear. New leaves will grow next Spring, the old ones will be transformed into duff.

 Autumn leaves              © harrington

Today's poetry comes as the lyrics in a performance of Hazy Shade of Winter by Simon and Garfunkel. It seems to fit well. Thanks for listening. Come again when you can. Rants, Raves and Reflections served here daily.