Plagues and Pandemics - Reading and Writing in the time of Uncertainty
Like probably every other person out there, the Covid-19 is raising havoc in daily life. Routine is challenges or non-existent at the moment. WE will all settle into new patterns due to forces beyond our immediate control. I'm included in the restlessness brought about by uncertainty.
Thinking about it, however, we are all living through history - a major historic event.
Over the years I've been fascinated by the 1918 pandemic - and for no real, identifiable reason at the time. Later I learned that my great-grandfather died from it, as did my grandfather's first family of a wife and young son. I am the product of his second, later marriage.
Displaying a further, morbid bent, the Black Plague holds a lingering fascination, as did the plagues that swept through New Orleans.
What it is about writers and tragedy? Possibly the backstory such events provide for tales of perseverance and overcoming unsurmountable odds to win in the end.
What is it about readers of life and death situations - perhaps we put ourselves in the story and emerge through the trial triumphant.
We will all learn something from this pandemic - something that can go forward as a positive contribution for the future. It will just take time to figure out what that might be in the end.
Until then, be well every one. Hope you find the time to read, write and think what sometimes might be uncomfortable thoughts. And persevere. We must all persevere.
Thinking about it, however, we are all living through history - a major historic event.
Over the years I've been fascinated by the 1918 pandemic - and for no real, identifiable reason at the time. Later I learned that my great-grandfather died from it, as did my grandfather's first family of a wife and young son. I am the product of his second, later marriage.
Displaying a further, morbid bent, the Black Plague holds a lingering fascination, as did the plagues that swept through New Orleans.
What it is about writers and tragedy? Possibly the backstory such events provide for tales of perseverance and overcoming unsurmountable odds to win in the end.
What is it about readers of life and death situations - perhaps we put ourselves in the story and emerge through the trial triumphant.
We will all learn something from this pandemic - something that can go forward as a positive contribution for the future. It will just take time to figure out what that might be in the end.
Until then, be well every one. Hope you find the time to read, write and think what sometimes might be uncomfortable thoughts. And persevere. We must all persevere.
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Hi Pat! So good to hear from you! I figure this is a time to write for me - as I don't garden. But yes, my lilac trees was poised to bloom and wham! Like so many other years. Are you working on a writing project now??
My husband and I, plus Sassy Dog and Katie Cat, are in Northern Colorado, not too far from you. We had a beautiful big snow day before yesterday which sadly froze onto my flowering trees and has probably killed the buds. But, the spring bulbs I planted last fall in one of my garden boxes are coming up and two of the crocuses have bloomed. They're tough enough to survive under the snow so I'll have more flowers in a week or two.
Stay safe and stay strong.