The day begins in darkness.  That is not new.  What is new is the effort of the President of the United States to overthrow the result of the election.  The days ahead will be critical.  And what of the  seventy two million who offered him their votes, who believe the Presidents version of “reality?”  What becomes of them if the new President takes office?  Are they simply going to turn away from the information sources that stoke their fever?  Or will they find new ways to build the outrage which they feel? 

Hello darkness my old friend…

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Yesterday I visited Black Hawk State Park in Rock Island, Illinois.   Though the museum was closed, the beauty of the snow covered forest made the two hour drive well worth it.  A friend and I met there to walk in the woods and to talk.  The walk was just what I needed as an antidote to the strictures of the pandemic.  I brought back these photos.  Some of these oaks must be over one hundred years old.  Gnarled, twisted by storms, possibly by lightning strikes, they stand majestic in the winter snow.  And while everything living ultimately loses the contest with time, should not the final phase of the fight display such dignity?  The first photo shows the Rock River through the trees.

The tune that is appropriate for this day is this one composed by Prince.  This great anthem of loss is performed in the movie by the name, Purple Rain.  The loss of a love which cannot be developed into a durable relationship stands as a symbol for all of the losses which we suffer.  What is the meaning of “purple rain?”  In the words of Prince:

“When there’s blood in the sky – red and blue = purple… purple rain pertains to the end of the world and being with the one you love and letting your faith/god guide you through the purple rain.”

Purple Rain
(from “Purple Rain” soundtrack)

By Prince and The Revolution

I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted one time to see you laughing
I only want to see you laughing in the purple rain

Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain

I only want to see you bathing in the purple rain

I never wanted to be your weekend lover
I only wanted to be some kind of friend
Baby, I could never steal you from another
It’s such a shame our friendship had to end

Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain

I only want to see you underneath the purple rain

Honey I know, I know, I know times are changing
It’s time we all reach out for something new
That means you too
You say you want a leader
But you can’t seem to make up your mind
I think you better close it
And let me guide you to the purple rain

Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain

If you know what I’m singing about up here
C’mon, raise your hand

Purple rain, purple rain

I only want to see you, only want to see you
In the purple rain