Today is Election Day---a day many of us thought might never come since it’s seemed like the campaign season would last forever. But’s it’s over now and we’ll see the result in due time.
Many people have voted Absentee or Early---Many People. But I live in a tiny village in Western Massachusetts, and I’m heading to my polling place in a few minutes to cast my paper ballot that will be rolled into the wooden ballot box that’s been used in my village for over 100 years. This ritual just feels solid to me and honest and true. And I love it!
With all the rancor that’s been going on during this campaign---and for the past several years, actually, I find comfort in these simple things that I can depend on. Simple things like the garden, and the farmer’s cows across the street, and the horses in the paddock, the fall leaves and even the much too early snow fall.
I also find great comfort in poetry, and today I’m letting one of my favorite poets, Shel Silverstein, cover me with his gentle words. I hope this soothes you too.
HUG O’ WAR
I will not play at tug o’ war.
I’d rather play at hug o’ war,
Where everyone hugs
Instead of tugs
Where everyone giggles
And rolls on the rug,
Where everyone kisses
And everyone grins,
And everyone cuddles,
And everyone wins.