Crumbs From the Corner: Adventures in Woolgathering

Monday, November 3, 2008

Let Us Rise



"The great only appear great because we are on our knees. Let us rise."
-James Larkin

My plans for this morning were all mapped out since last evening. I knew what I would write, what I would publish. I was prepared to extract, from my files, either a lengthy adventure or a remark about my mother.
All intentions flew out the window shortly after breakfast when I became unable to extend my thinking beyond the immense gravity of the moment.
On this day, which I admit wreaks considerable havoc on my nerves, every fragment of human society is teetering on the edge of a precipice, gazing into the yawning chasm of possibility. History books will be composed about these very hours, and we do not yet have the benefit of hindsight to guess at what they might tell us. Those with the power and the willingness to vote, however, will have the privilege of contributing to the story that unfolds, and must do so with the greatest of care and comprehension.
Let us rise.

10 comments:

Beth said...

It is an important moment in history and I can't wait to vote tomorrow. In our household the absentee ballots have been mailed in from Macedonia (Sara), Ireland (Jacob), Washington DC (Molly) and Archie will register and vote tomorrow just a week after turning 18. Charlie and I will be casting our ballots realizing what an important election this is and how grateful we are to be present at this moment in history. I pray that nothing happens to mar this moment.

Pappy said...

Very well stated The. I'm sure Mater will understand and be content with being roasted in a later post. Pappy

Anonymous said...

Amen, sister friend.
Now, I'm going to vote.

julochka said...

oh man!! the pressure!! no wonder i can't sleep!!!

Phyllis Hunt McGowan said...

Beth, that is a remarkable family you have :) Voting from all corners of the world... you ought to be proud.

Texican, yes, two or three days respite for Mater then I'll be back to normal ;)

Courtney, Good for you, and for all of us ;)

Julie, I am not going near the television until this evening when Spouse is home to save me from the insanity. It would frustrate me too much, as they don't really have any news at this point. The pressure, though, the pressure... you said it. This is the longest of days. Tomorrow can't come soon enough :)

tangobaby said...

You're in good company, little elementary, and your vote in spirit is well cast. Don't worry!

Nan said...

Beautifully written. It is such a blessing to be alive for this election, and I might feel even more so tomorrow. :<)

Phyllis Hunt McGowan said...

Tangobaby, my vote in spirit- I love it. Thank you. You just gladdened my heart a bit more!

Nan, thank you. It is something else, isn't it? For me, it's incredible to be in the same house as someone who got to vote in this, it's that significant an election. I'm really overwhelmed by it all.

These are all such inspiring and warm comments...

Pauline said...

We are all - red or blue sympathizers - on tenterhooks, all hoping our own chosen candidate emerges victorious. I agree with tangobaby - your vote in spirit, no matter what your choice - is important. Have you read Peak Everything by Richard Heinberg? Perhaps, in the light of his findings, this election is even more important than we imagine.

Phyllis Hunt McGowan said...

Pauline, I'm writing this after the fact: I was on tenterhooks, all evening. It was hard to watch at times.
The act of voting is the only thing that matters in all of this.
I haven't read that book- I'll have a little look see and check it out. Thanks for the recommendation.

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