My feet are snug in red wool socks and propped up on a stool. Gazing out at the world, I sip my coffee. Fog settles on the earth like thick cotton. But I have to remind myself that the view outside my window is not low clouds. And while it’s only 65 degrees outside, the forecast predicted 85. Smoke has turned our last days of summer into an eerie early Fall.
It’s been 239 days since the first case of the virus was documented in Washington State and 199 days since we were put under a lock down. Schools and businesses closed. We were told to only leave the house if necessary: for medical care or groceries. Then we faced fines and jail time if we refused to wear a mask or if we gathered with our family. Contact tracers and mask enforcers were hired by the state to keep us in compliance. Doomsday reporting and the Governor’s daily virus and death count propaganda have been shoved down our throats since the beginning. Most are still too scared to leave their homes — but only the radicals don’t give into the fear.
Enter a new apocalyptic tactic: riots. Protesters turned on police. Police turned on protesters. Burning buildings, graffiti, taking over whole city blocks, infiltrating police departments, throwing cans of food and frozen water bottles, fires in garbage cans, mace, and guns. News reports telling us it’s not that bad. News reports telling us it’s a war zone.
Then fire engulfed our lands consuming over 600 thousand acres in only a few days in Washington. More for our neighbors to the south. Whole towns burned up. Arsonists were caught in the cities, but there is confusion about who or what ignited the flames in the forests. We want to believe it’s just climate change, but nobody trusts each other any more. Now even the radicals want to stay home and wear their masks. Whoever orchestrated it all, did a damn fine job of keeping us afraid.
And me? I’m safe in my home with my cozy socks and warm beverage. For now.
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Did you just read the intro for a Sci-fi story or my take on our current world? I realize the topics I wrote about can trigger many in this current political climate. But I wrote it anyway. Because I am one of those dreamers who believes everyone gets to have an opinion.
I believe the media (aka news outlets) are force-feeders of fear and too many people willingly digest the lies they tell us. I believe love and kindness trumps hate and violence. I believe there is a middle road and a high road.
Whatever you believe, I hope you and yours are all safe and healthy. Sending you good vibes and blessings as you navigate these rough waters. Be nice to each other.
Blessings and Namaste!
Shawnee Randolph 
Totally 2020, but then is our world supposed to get better or worse before things really get worse? It’s tough because on one hand I believe “the end” is near, and on the other hand, how many other horrible things have happened in this world before this time, that also seemed like the end? Since none of us know the future, we just take one day at a time and breath… Trust that there are better days to come, whether here or elsewhere, and as you say, let Love be what helps us end all of the hatred and violence. Hold our babies tight and continue to dream. So many have lost those dreams due to loss of job, loss of people or fear. Hang in there Shawnee! I pray this is just a season, with many more beautiful seasons to come.
Thanks for the comment. It is all definitely strange. And you’re right, all we can do is have faith and trust. And pray. Lots of praying! I think we’ll come out on the other side ok…I hope!