Part 1 / Conceptual

Independence Day in Poland falls on 11/11 and it commemorates the 1918 restoration of Poland’s sovereignty from under German, Austro-Hungarian, and Russian rule. (Was this a bloody transition or a bureaucratic one? I shall find out.) If I celebrate this occasion at all, it is in a hesitant, quiet manner—both because (a) in recent years nationalists have made it their day in loud, hateful ways and because (b) I grew up learning not how to belong but how to feel right not belonging. A national holiday? Count me out, usually. But not this time.

Today I find myself feeling softly patriotic. Reasons abound. That fiery energy of the recent wave of protests against ultra-conservative policies by Poland’s populist government. The fun I’ve had rediscovering my city with my camera lately. Somewhat irrationally, even the recent blue win in American politics, with its suspenseful plot and satisfying denouement. For once I feel like posting a love song to autumn in Poland dated today.

This hymn will be a simple one. Just this little intro, plus some couplets of verse in defense of grey weather. The photos—all taken with my Fuji in the past fourteen days around Warsaw—will stand in for the music. Imagine the tune in a minor key, but energized with a little swing.