One of the most beautiful pieces of music I know is Schubert’s posthumously published Sonata D 959 – 2nd part of a trilogy, all three goosebump-producing. They came to mind when I heard yesterday that the new administration undermined the application of a hard-fought law that protects transgender rights. It was serendipity that my search for Brendel’s version of the Sonata produced a cover image of a bathroom…..although I hear someone say it is as little about bathrooms as it was about water fountains…

For today’s literary bit I refer back to an old short story by Willa Cather – Paul’s Case – A Study in Temperament (1905). It is a poignant exposition of someone who does not fit in, runs away from home after an act of defiance, has a day to explore his (subtly insinuated) homosexuality before he commits suicide for shame. The most heartbreaking aspect of it is the fact that he regrets that step when it’s too late.

The audio book version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL_tnkGOwdA

And here is a 4 minute encapsulation of the story in pictures…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FRJGGZfNms

So now we have Blacks, Muslims, Jews, Queers, Mexicans and the poor as targeted populations – who will be next?

I insist on ending on an upbeat note: you all know Andersen’s Fairy Tale of the Ugly Duckling? The “misfit” is a lone outsider – but s/he holds a promise that nature fulfills. May everyone figure out who they are and take wings, ducks, swans, geese and anyone in-between!