Joy in the Morning

Joy cometh in the morning these days when I reach this Rowan. Rain has kept the leaves green and fresh while the twigs and branches are encrusted with grey lichen. This tree could hardly become more alive but just as I get here that's what happens, as numerous small birds arrive to welcome me and the prospect of seed and cheese. Everywhere I look from the ground up to the tree's centre there is evidence of nature's ability to bring enchantment.

Joy in the Morning is the title of a miraculous book by Wodehouse guaranteed to lift the spirits of the depressed even more than Culpepper's decoction from Melancholy Thistle. It took its place in Robert McCrum's 100 best novels in the Guardian's series, and can bring tears of pleasure to those who had never before believed sentences composed only of words could be so perfect.

It may seem odd to compare the pleasures of observing unencumbered nature with the joyful artificiality of Wodehouse's parallel universe. But the world needs both and especially the best of both. Promotion of the second rate and meretricious can drain the optimism as when we move from Mozart and Beethoven to muzac in a department store.

We need to guide our young people towards the best that humanity has achieved and the best that nature can do. Second rate shouldn't be considered.

..............................................................

King James Bible Psalm 30:5

For his anger endures but for a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.