November is ending. It’s been a lovely month of blustery days, passionate clouds, and leaves dancing to the ground, either swiftly or slow, depending on the wind. December looms closely. The increasing darkness looms and is worrisome. Along with myself, millions of other souls look to the light festivals of Diwali, Hannukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa blazes with promise. It all hinges on December 21.
December and the approaching winter always beg the question, “Why are we all afraid of the dark?”. We all face the dark and the unknown each day, either in infinitesimal or unfathomable, yawning issues each and every day. I’m sure psychologists, folklorists, and spiritual leaders would have some answers to the question. I wish I had answers. But, since I turn to fiction frequently for answers and comfort, I do so again.
At the risk of repeating myself in a former blog post, it’s the time of year when my family and I traditionally read and/or listen to the book The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. In the book, a young Will Stanton becomes the last of the Old Ones and fights the forces of the Dark. The book has always reached for our souls, and in essence, like fairytales, reminds us that everything will be all right. And “everything will be all right” reminds us of the famous song “Three little birds” by Bob Marley. As Marley’s song now plays repeatedly in my head, I’m hoping some of the darkness will abate. I, too, can look at the upcoming light, longer days, and brilliant lights as a child would this season, full of hope and knowing “everything will be all right.”
