Light in the Darkness

I just got back from one of the middle-of-the-night bicycle rides that have become an important part of my life over the past few months. It's cold now, even in Tucson, at 1am, but the brisk air is refreshing. The best part about riding lately, though, is that so many of the houses in the adjoining neighborhoods -- between Northern and Romero on one axis and between Magee and Hardy on the other -- have impressive holiday displays up and, what is more, frequently leave them on all night. Tonight I didn't see a single car, even when I was crossing La Cañada. Not a creature was stirring, either. But the lights were blazing regardless. Although it may be wasteful, I'm touched by the generosity of the gesture. There's something neat about the realization that I'm the only one enjoying the show.