Late Thoughts on a Passing Solstice

The first time I hear “Christmas Eve – Sarajevo 12/24” every year, my calm, measured exterior cracks and emotion pours out of me. I know I ought to specify which emotion, but it’s actually hard to decipher which one.

I have always liked “The Carol of the Bells,” and this specific version speaks to me of the ability of beauty and hope to survive even the most awful of circumstances. The music here is determined, defiant, even angry, as if facing entropy squarely and shouting “You Cannot Pass!”

For much of my life, I’ve been short on hope, and kept myself going on basic stubbornness. I’ve come to realize that the two have more in common than I thought, and that they’re both ways of standing up and saying to a rough universe, “I’m going to make my part of the world a better place… even knowing that you’ll probably make it difficult. I don’t care.”

Fine sentiment, in my book.

We’ve made it through the dark days again, and light and warmth are once more on their way. Happy Holidays, everyone!

Protected: Your powers are weak, old man

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: