The Morning After

I don’t know why I feel like singing this morning. Certainly the fire in our hearth on this below freezing morning is not only warm, but uplifting with its dancing flames. Still I am somewhat struck by my song-filled mind today.

The morning after Election
Day, 2012, sail away, sail away.

And, of all songs -- “The Morning After” -- as sung by Maureen McGovern in the “Poseidon Adventure,” about a certain-to-sink ship, the Poseidon, not unlike the Titantic.


Maybe it’s the fact that I have so much faith in the, so far, unquestionable strength of our country to pull itself together through tough times, in spite of our differences. We are not a ship about to sink, no matter what the urgency promoters are saying. Troubles, yes, sinking ship – no!


Maybe, I am, particularly, inspired by the efforts of those around me, coming together in our local area to put on our upcoming “Overcoming The Polarization of Politics” kickoff event.


That is definitely arousing my spirits. Look for details in the coming days. Below is what I have so far.


Event: “Overcoming The Polarization of Politics” kickoff round table event,
Date: Tuesday, October 30, 2012,
Time: TBA,
Location: Hood College, Frederick, Maryland


Imagine this for a pre-election lift! Sparks of life and hope for the morning after Election Day, 2012.


Republicans and Democrats, Independents and undecides and, perhaps, even a few “No, I am not planning to vote” people are going to be encouraged to turn out in large numbers in Frederick County, Maryland to speak their piece at this event on how we can work together for community unity in our locale.  Enough of this character bashing and smashing. Enough, already!


Fortunately, with our being just about fifty miles distance from our nation’s capitol, we still have our own air to breathe. Not at all like D.C., totally awash in stress, wondering what’s happening next in our backyard. Bunches of D.C. transplants down here though, like myself, far enough away to get a bit free of that fast track craziness.


Who knows what is in the air that is lifting my mind to sing this morning. (I keep it mental so as not to interfere with the songs of the birds, visiting the feeder outside my office window.)


Anyway, it is so much better, from where I am sitting, to focus attention on our anticipated, local display of community unity building, in spite of our differences, rather than election madness. Perhaps our efforts, through this event, might bolster other flagging spirits, lifting them up like mine, today, though mine weren’t exactly sagging to start with.


There are plenty of other minds and hearts, like mine, yearning to overcome the polarization of politics. Maybe these are, without our even being aware of one another, simply drawn together into the sunshine of this crisp, autumn day. Like my dear friend, Susan, they are just not going to allow a beautiful day like this to fall by the wayside, “hijacked” by the politicians, money brokers. and the media.  


As for me, I am, intent on another brisk walk with my neighbor where I will have ample time, among other things, to share my hopes that, perhaps, together, even those folks who are so disheartened  they can’t see over this election bump will join us soon with our dreams for the morning after Election Day, 2012.

There's got to be a morning after
If we can hold on through the night
We have a chance to find the sunshine
Let's keep on lookin' for the light

Lyrics from “The Poseidon Adventure,” sung by Maureen McGovern, 1973.