The Dark

I recently met someone that spoke of "The Dark".  The phrase resonated with me.  Most humans would consider themselves diurnal, whether they know the term or not.  The Children of the Sun have always greatly outnumbered the Children of the Moon.  We are radiant beings.  We dance in the light, reflect it, and absorb it.

But away from the equator, the winter season brings cold and darkness.  The cold drives us into our caves.  It must; we lack fur.  We find other sources of light and heat.  We have become quite proficient at interacting with others from the warmth and safety of our caves.  We schedule celebrations that encourage interaction.  We remind each other of the coming of spring.

I had not, honestly, considered the effect of the fading sunlight.  I am a Child of the Moon.  The quiet and mystery of the dark have always brought me peace.  The light of a fire brings out all that I find beautiful in my fellow humans. 

But for many, the long nights gnaw at them.  I do not know which of the myriad aspects of darkness drains them.  I cannot speak for them.  I can only empathize.  I can offer my hand.  I can point out the light that remains.  I can sit with them in the darkness.  I can break the silence or basque in it.

I am a Child of the Moon.  I never want anyone to be afraid of "The Dark" ever again.  I don't expect, or even wish, them to embrace it.  I do, however, want them to hold on until daybreak.  If I can help them do so, I will.

That time of year...

I felt it in the winds this morning. The rains have come. To those unfamiliar with weather on the Northeast seaboard, during the autumn months a slow drizzle becomes the norm. Cold November rain is a cliche here. Rain is common through December. Snow will begin in January. Philadelphia is a beautiful place to watch the seasons pass. Although the inhabitants may disagree, we do not suffer the summers of our Southern neighbors or the winters of our Northern. Very often the city itself lies right on the frost line and although the thousand mirrors do form a pocket of heat, the surrounding area finds itself topping off in the 80s rather than the 90s. I have experienced an August or two that were horrid and a month wherein the temperature did not go above 20 (Fahrenheit) but there are always exceptions.

The end result is a few million people that have multiple umbrellas. We don't have block heaters. Central air is still uncommon. First frost brings panic, while by March people will consider snow as a daily part of their lives.

For now, I just settle in and don sweaters. The rains have come. They bring cold with them. The sun wanes. Nature prepares to sleep.