It seems to me that the country’s political struggles reflect deeper troubles, so I try to be alert for clues to that more profound level. Meanwhile, I fall prey to pessimism and, sometimes, loneliness.
The NY Times Crossword in today’s Albuquerque Tribune rode to my rescue today. Or rather, Emily Dickinson did.
The puzzle required two words of a Dickinson quote. I went to Bartlett’s for the answer and found it, but not before happening on this:
Much Madness is Divinest sense –
To a discerning Eye –
Much sense – the starkest Madness –
‘Tis the Majority
In this, as All, prevail –
Assent – and you are sane –
Demur – you’re straightway dangerous –
And handled with a Chain.
That is from Emily Dickinson, circa1862. Wow!