May 14, 2015
I went subterranean twelve weeks ago, maybe more. Came up again two days ago, I think. I know this because I found myself gardening yesterday.
This was a tunnel of a place I’ve been in, a way into and through the deep, long list entitled Impossible-but-Necessary. In twelve weeks strong and beautiful people died, shockingly, suddenly, and those of us who grieve them turned inward then slowly forward; old and treasured things were broken then transformed phoenix-like amid the mourning, the loss. Boundaries were breached, injuries dealt and received, some old trusts betrayed and also new ones established without question. Concerts were rehearsed and played; family homes sold and contents dispersed, others burned and the tenants embraced by this rich community. Long overdue letters were written and sent; 50-year careers ended; a 20-year-old vehicle sold for parts; the streets in the city opened and excavated in the great replacement of metal with plastic…
As the boxes were packed and the old things released into landfill sites, recycling depots, re-store Judy Collins sang who knows where the time goes? to help the tears come.
As the goodbyes were said after the stories were told, as the weeping hugs were shared, Kodaly’s solo cello sonata raged and softened and spoke …
As the solos were played and the painting delivered; as the portfolio was presented and the university applications sent, Cohen sang ring the bells that still can ring, forget your perfect offering…
Through all the overnight insomnia on the studio couch Joni sang dream on, dream on...
As we turned forward into spring, and green and growth, david sereda sings, you’re beautiful. Be You. Coco Love Alcorn sings We gather ’round when we can, and we let ourselves be true… Tyler Wagler sings …out the doorway, ‘way we go. Where you lead, I will follow … Kati Gleiser plays Rachmaninoff and then sings our beauty back to us.
As the pipes thawed, so did we.