A Midwinter's Task: Canvassing for Obama in RI

Despite the excitement of the presidential primary season, this time of  the year are the Dark Times in New England, otherwise known as February.

The cruel month in between football and baseball seasons where the temperature rarely raises into the forties.

Snow and ice frost over the trees, roads, houses and cars.

On a battleship gray day like today's the universe shrinks around you.  The steely sky dips down heavy and lifeless trees on the perimeter become impenetrable walls.  Claustrophobic feelings shadow the soul, darkness preoccupies the mind while bitter cold penetrates the flesh.

This was the climate that moved Melville to the sea, pushed Thoreau into the woods, locked Dickinson in her home, sent Poe and Lovecraft into that dangerous realm.

So many of our writers wallow in misery that one wonders if depression is a required prerequisite for a wordsmith.

On these days, book stores and movie theaters are welcomes respites for escapism is the cure for the ailing.  The body craves to hibernate and not step out doors.

So, what am I doing today?

I'm canvassing for Barack Obama in Rhode Island.

http://my.barackobama.com/...

A quick update:  My nine year old daughter will be tagging along,  bundled up and I-Pod equipped.