Morning After the Election

Trump had won, even the popular vote. The Republicans had retaken the Senate and most likely would retain the House. A Catholic Supreme Court had its grip on America's secular life.

Jimmy Carter made it to a hundred for that?

Elmer the husky and I set out at 6:05 in the morning. Dry. Stars shined. No clouds. We rounded a corner and I heard the screams of a homeless man a block away. He sounded exactly like the cartoon Tasmanian devil on the loose.

We kept moving toward the park. Elmer did his thing. I thought in short sentences as I walked.

Despair must be defeated.

I must rally and then advance.

“Advance always” said General Grant.

Oregon fared well in the election.

Is the novel Ecotopia finally going to come true?

Portland elected an outsider as Mayor.

He won on a bold plan to end homelessness.

Maybe I can become part of that.

Is my writing irrelevant?

It feels like it at the moment.

I live in a Blue state. I have means and a great dog.

My family didn't fracture because of MAGA.

Many did. They'll never get back together.

Elmer took his Ted Cruz and picked up his pace. I bounded along with him. Light was coming on. Jack O Lanterns sagged from recent rain. People drove downtown to work in offices. Freight trains lumbered in the distance. Ducks swam in the creek. I saw three vehicles serving as domiciles.

What would I do today?

I would not read the recap.

I would take Elmer to the dog park.

I would visit my Dad in assisted living and discuss the news.

I would rake leaves in the back yard and fend off Elmer's attacks.

I would read a Henry Miller work of nonfiction and marvel at his straightforward and profane prose that would make me laugh.

I would work on my Mom's book about her extraordinary life as a young Christian missionary in Brazil.

I would console friends.