Beginning to see the lights

This year’s pumpkins are now in the field under the pear tree. Soon a whitetail dear or two will notice them and shortly thereafter, they’ll be all gone. A couple of potted asters got planted out near the road, but it will be a miracle of the first order if they start to green up next spring. Nothing ventured [....] Tomorrow, Outside Christmas lights will get got hung this afternoon and tomorrow a couple of angels will alight near the front stoop, keeping an eye on wreaths and other decorations.

almost done

Photo by J. Harrington

At the risk of messing things up, I want to acknowledge that we’re enjoying some partly sunny, seasonable weather. It’s a very pleasant change for which I’m thankful. A milder, drier winter than normal would be a wonderful seasonal present from Mother Nature that some of us can enjoy one day at a time for months in a row, except skiers or snowmobilers and the like.

Local folks, including our nuclear and extended family, seem to be doing Christmas decorations earlier than usual this year. I suspect it has a lot to do with a world with more woes than we’re used to, that seem never ending. The 2016 elections, Covid pandemics, insurrections, wars, climate breakdown and weather disasters and on and on. And none seem readily fixable. Time to regroup, boost our spirits, spend time with family and/or friends and plan how we can make next year better for everyone of good will.

For everyone who tried on the slipper before Cinderella

Ariana Brown

^{after Anis Mojgani and Audre Lorde}

For those making tea in the soft light of Saturday morning 
in the peaceful kitchen 
in the cool house 
For those with shrunken hearts still trying to love 
For those with large hearts trying to forget 
For those with terrors they cannot name 
upset stomachs and too tight pants 
For those who get cut off in traffic 
For those who spend all day making an elaborate meal 
that turns out mediocre 
For those who could not leave 
even when they knew they had to 
For those who never win the lottery 
or become famous 
For those getting groceries on Friday nights 

There is something you know 
about living 
that you guard with your life 
your one fragile, wonderful life 
wonder, as in, awe, 
as in, I had no idea I would be here now. 

For those who make plans and those who don’t 
For those driving across the country to a highway that knows them 
For the routes we take in the dark, trusting 
For the roads for the woods for the dead humming in prayer 
For an old record and a strong sun
For teeth bared to the wind 
a pulse in the chest 
a body making love to itself 

There is every reason to hate it here 
There is a list of things making it bearable: 
your friend’s shoulder Texas barbecue a new book 
a loud song a strong song a highway that knows you 
sweet tea an orange cat a helping hand 
an unforgettable dinner 

a laugh that escapes you and deflates you 
like a pink balloon left soft with room 
for goodness to take hold 

For those who have looked in the mirror and begged
For those with weak knees and an attitude
For those called “sensitive” or “too much” 
For those not called enough
For the times you needed and went without
For the photo of you as a child 
quietly icing cupcakes your hair a crackling thunderstorm

Love is coming. 
It’s on its way. 
Look—

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Please be kind to each other while you can.