DUSK

In some places there's a Corona confinement curfew. Most curfews restrict evening and night time activities outside.  My favorite time of day has been made darker by the corona confinement and the number of businesses that are closed.  You can’t even see the closed signs on the doors and maybe to save power the outside lights aren’t on. Dark and depressing for them, it makes the businesses that are still open few and far between, like islands or big ships at sea. 
 
You used to drive around looking for a parking stall and now all you see is a few cars driving through for food or doing curb-side pick up. The worst sight is shoppers standing down the sidewalks six feet apart waiting to get into the store when a customer comes out. If it’s getting chilly as the night draws on and there are children shivering outside the stores, it makes me angry about it all.  It makes my favorite time of day feel mean and menacing even though we don't have a curfew here. 

Back at our house,  I look down into neighbors' homes that we see into because we live on the hill above them. The lights in their homes reveal them going about their routines. It's comforting to know they are still here.  They are well.  They are doing what they've always done.  Like us. Out front we can still see neighbors out walking their dogs and that's comforting too.  A bit of "normal" for our neighborhood.

Dusk reminds me of the Jewish roots of the Christian faith where the day begins at sun down. They charge up with rest before they work. The Greco-Roman mind set is more like work first then fall exhausted into bed and call it a day! Maybe we do have it backwards.  Maybe we should begin to see the day beginning at dusk and embrace the refreshment of rest and sleep.  “And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.” Genesis 1:5   "Another day, another dollar?"  Right now, another day of home-stay!    
 
It's still one of my favorite times of day. Dusk.  It's well after sunset when it’s still light enough to see details of the landscape but dark enough for lights to come on.  The traffic lights are now bright red, yellow, and green instead of the faded colors in daylight.  Driving through neighborhoods I see windows lit up as people have come home from "essential" work or a quick drive to a grocery store or pharmacy. I imagine them preparing meals, helping kids with homework from their "virtual schools", and settling down to watch TV.  
 
If you live near large expanses of water like rivers, lakes, or ocean front coves, you can also see the reflection of lights that doubles the delight of this time of day.  It’s magical and mysterious at the same time. Shadows aren’t deep enough to cause the darkness to cover little details of familiar land marks if your heading home, stopping to shop or heading to an allowable evening event or activity.  I'm jealous of you if you have a home where you can see lights reflected on water.  
 
I have a strong desire to see store fronts with their night time neon lights glowing and shop windows showing off seasonal products.  I want to be free to go INTO my favorite coffee shops, and restaurants that reveal the activity inside that looks and feels cosy and comforting.  Dusk is still safe because when you get out of your car you aren’t stumbling in the dark because the light is bright enough to see a safe path or step.

Dusk will soon be the time of day when we can sit out on our deck or enjoy the covered patio. I can call a friend and meet for a coffee after dinner, or plan a dinner party at our favorite restaurant.  It's going to be glorious.  And I can't wait! 


 
 
 
 
    

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