The Liminal Epoch

La Meridiana, Villa Borghese, Rome - Courtesy of Ágatha Depiné        Greetings!  Yesterday, October 11, was National Coming Out Day.  It's an opportunity for those who identify privately as members of the LGBTQ+ spectrum to consider broadening the circle of awareness of their sexuality from one (themselves) or a few confidants, to as many family members and acquaintances as they feel compelled to notify.  Those who are consistently in the public view, or who wish to take an activist stance, may even choose to make their revelation widely public.  It is a moment of supreme importance for those who make the leap of faith, and a great leap it is.       The questions are often asked "What's the big deal?" and "Why make such a fuss and get in everybody's face about this?".  Well, what could be more vital than one's identity and one's truth?  Every human being needs to belong somewhere, to some tribe, to a history, a faith/philosophy and traditions. 

 Serenity lives in the moments before dawn.  I know this, despite never having been an enthusiastic early riser.   Perhaps I spent too many years haunting the late-night world, but my body typically pleads for "just one more hour" or so whenever I respond to the demands of a typical busy day.  Yet I recognize the value of getting up early and dwelling for a few moments in the stillness of morning.   I drove my wife to work in the darkness today and returned home for coffee and a bit of her marvelous Christmas biscotti.  Now I sit beside the window which overlooks our back yard patio, gazing at a forest newly draped in winter white.  The sun isn't up yet, but the approaching light has washed the horizon in pastel pink, purple and warm taupe.  As I note this a mourning dove lands a few feet from me.  She's extraordinary, dressed in the same hues, such a gentle and unassuming presence as she bobs across the cement looking for seed.  Her cousins are gathering at Bonnie