Christmas joy turns to despair

Only two weeks ago, a Wynton Marsalis concert at Symphony Hall heralded a return to normal life.

The audience wore masks, and proof of vaccination was required. But the seats were nearly full, and the music festive.

Now, New York City's shutting down. The Rockettes cancelled their Christmas shows at Radio City Music Hall. Broadway is dark.

Here in Atlanta, restaurants are closing because of staff shortages caused by the covid omicron variation. As in New York, lines are long in Atlanta  at covid testing sites. Everyone knows of loved ones and friends who've been infected.

The joyous Christmas expected at Thanksgiving has turned bleak. A desolate winter comes.

Come spring, let our omicrons be bygones.