Winter is the cold of the universe creeping in where the sun does not exert its will. Winter is a glimpse of what will happen if this rock is still around when the sun winks out. It's not foreshadowing, however. Shadow is the contrast created by potential light. Pure darkness, the lack of light, is what winter foretells.
It's easy to moralize, to make ethical implications from, these metaphors. The sun and the light and the warmth are good because we need them. We are creatures with a narrow band of environmental tolerance. We personify forces destructive to us as evil. How could we do otherwise?
There is no spite in the death of a star. The universe is not driven by passions. The indifference of the universe is not an indictment of your personal value. The universe does not begrudge you the right to build a fire, to huddle close, to eat and drink and live. The universe just spins and spins and spins and spins. You are welcome to ride along.
Then there is, if there is, god. Does she reach in to re-spark the sun? Does he warm you with his breath? Will they cup you in their hands? Will you wake up in a better place? The universe will let it happen. The universe does not begrudge you escape. Perhaps the universe worships as well. In the end I guess we'll know.
For now we bask, if we can, in the providence or the coincidence of just enough sun, just enough water, just enough food. It's enough to make you feel grateful, or at least lucky.
Hello, friends. How are you today?
Love.
