February 6, 2022
There is, in fact, some news today, but nothing that can't wait until tomorrow. Seems like this might well be a busy week, so let's take the night off.
It’s been quite cold here, and the sea smoke, which rises when the air is colder than the water, has been spectacular.
Photographer Peter Ralston caught this image earlier this week.
[Photo, “Only One,” by Peter Ralston]
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Notes:
If you want to find Peter and Terri, they are in Rockport, Maine, or on the web here:
https://www.ralstongallery.com/ . If you stop by, say hello. They’re lovely.
With appreciation to HCR for your reach from America’s origins to the present day with analysis, synthesis, and lucidity. Thank you Peter Ralston for “Only One,” a striking and 'smoking' winter scene. That icy water looks as my hands and feet feel.
A special thank you to Congressman Jamie Raskin representing Maryland’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House as he serves all Americans with uncommon devotion and goodwill.
May we the people work our way toward respect and understanding of one another.
Dreams
Langston Hughes - 1901-1967
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
From The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes published by Alfred A. Knopf/Vintage.
James Mercer Langston Hughes was born February 1, 1901, in Joplin, Missouri. His parents divorced when he was a young child, and his father moved to Mexico. He was raised by his grandmother until he was thirteen, when he moved to Lincoln, Illinois, to live with his mother and her husband, before the family eventually settled in Cleveland, Ohio. It was in Lincoln that Hughes began writing poetry. After graduating from high school, he spent a year in Mexico followed by a year at Columbia University in New York City. During this time, he worked as an assistant cook, launderer, and busboy.
Enjoy the sea smoke and a quiet evening early in a turbulent year: Ukraine, Putin, Xi, Kim, Covid, House 1/6 Committee,Trumpimania’s slippery slope, an upward-trend economy, ‘sedition’ writ large, voting machinations, the possible child of BBB, and oh yes, Congressional elections in November….
You have a hilly marathon ahead with fulsome support from a multitude of fans. Please pace yourself as you share your reportage on Trump’s slump and and President Biden’s upswing prior to a glorious end-of-year finish by your comforting Maine fireplace.