After

There is a particular beauty in writing when it resonates.

I connected with this piece in today’s New York Times by Margaret Renkl, and through Ms. Renkl’s writing, I’m reminded of the power of observation of the natural world, of quietly reflecting on the order of the universe.

I’m reminded that the natural world has an uncanny ability to connect with humanity and our reactions to the surrounding chaos that oftentimes is part of the human condition.

Margaret Renkl suggests that within this moment of uncertainty, there might be an opportunity to observe and connect with our natural world, and I cannot disagree. The next months leading up to the presidential election will no doubt present many, many moments filled with anxiety. I am anxious about that and about the end result; much of my anxiety stems from the nonstop barrage from pollsters, opiners and interpreters of current events, and the press in general; those who seem to have the bully (and I mean that literally) pulpit.

I live on the banks of the Merrimack River here in northern Massachusetts. The river can, at times, churn powerfully, overspilling the banks and flooding, as it did a few short weeks ago. It is during those times that I am reminded to respect the river’s power to overwhelm. In those days, the Merrimack’s power to take and to destroy whatever is in its path dominates.

But when the danger passes and the waters subside, there is calmness, a near peaceful co-existence. There may be damages or cleaning up to do, and certainly repairs need to be made.

It feels to me as we are in the midst of churn now; it is an anxious period when, speaking for myself, I am unsure how much damage will be done and what we will need to recover. But as in nature, we will endure this storm and do what we must.

This is the way of the natural world.

Through my subscription to the New York Times, I've gifted this article in its original form. Taking a cue from the Squirrels in my Birdhouse (Margaret Renkl, New York Times)