Solstice

Isn't today supposed to be a joyous day? - the longest day of the year (in the northern hemisphere.) Celebrating and dancing around maypoles and things?  I am afraid that is not happening here.  I have not written an entry in a while because I am at a loss for words.  If it weren't for the Mondial I am not sure where I would be mentally. 

This morning the taxi dropped me off close to my home.  As I walked past my neighbor's house, her front door was open and I heard someone inside crying.  It was heartrending sobs.  I whispered her name and she appeared around the door with a slice of toast and cheese.  "Marika" I said, "Are you OK?"  

"Comme ci, comme ca" she answered.  That is how everyone answers that question now, in whatever language they speak.  Not one person says good - no one, nader. 

"I thought you were crying."

"The television," she said.   She was watching a soap opera.

That was a relief - "comme ci, comme ca" I can handle. Heartrending sobs - not so easy. 

Terrible dark times all the time now, but even worse on today's solstice.