Three girls

The elections are over and I am unhappy with my country and the world right now. Time to rake the leaves again. It seems there are more leaves than ever. I am overwhelmed by homework. The day is mild. Windstorms have blown almost all the leaves off the trees. But there are still bright vignettes of color to enjoy.

The three girls, my neighbor friends, come running. “Hello Linda, hello Linda.” Despite all my real or imagined failures, they are always happy to see me. They love me. They are standing with me on the south side of my garden overlooking the lake.

As I rake leaves they tell me their sweet stories. Life is pure for them. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and they look out at the sparkling lake and say, “Can you see the flag!” I look up to see the scene. The American flag flies over the lake park lawn, against the bright blue sky and sparkling water, reflecting the fall colors. The three girls in front of me put their hands to their hearts and begin to sing. “Oh, let’s say, can you see in the dawn light?” I am with them so moved by their innocence as they sing the song of our countries. They love their flag and they love their country. I am moved to tears by this moment. And I realize, no matter what is happening in my country, if I agree or disagree. This is my homeland. I will love him as a mother loves her child. And I will try to make a difference.