Among the dislocated shoulders, insurrection, glaucoma, and skies the color and texture of overcooked oatmeal is a hope that the country survives, that the world survives, that the illiberal neo-liberalism that rewards us is exposed as the only true hoax. That, in a pandemic, “This ropey idea about love and connection” ¹ is more meaningful than cosplaying patriots at the Capitol acting like a gangsters. After all, true patriotism isn’t tourism with guns, flags, and bibles.

¹ Nudge It, Sleaford Mods, from the album Spare Ribs