Unless you're living in a cave, you've heard the latest economic numbers are bad. Which just bolsters the case of those who say the glory days of the U.S are over. A lot of people think it's just a matter of how we manage the decline. My friends on the left think we live in an unsustainable, unjust nation. My friends on the right are pretty sure we are a few steps away from socialism and total moral decay.

I'm not making fun of any of these positions--things are difficult now, and a lot of people are hurting. And I understand we face serious problems, and I can find myself getting worried and nervous, too.

And yet....

When I feel collected and gathered and together, I feel calm. We've been through rough patches before--and we've made it. Maybe this time is different. I can't say for sure. But if I had to lay my money, I'd bet on America to come through again. 

This song isn't about America, but it's a lovely song with words composed by a writer who lived in a time of great cynicism and doubt. The words he wrote make sense in the context of the play (South Pacific) but they also capture his personal credo. And I think it's worth thinking about. 

Whatever else, it also expresses how I feel. Especially on a summer night when the mist is out and fireflies are flickering. It's a lovely song, sung by the talented Kelli O'Hara.