Nostalgia

Gibran's beautiful words resonate now just as they did in high school. The Prophet, Gibran's wildly popular book of poetic essays, featured a cover displaying the mysterious portrait of a dark featured man. At first glance this portrait could have been the face of Christ distorted by the Shroud of Turin or maybe Frank Zappa's grandfather. The entire creation was and continues to be astonishing, exotic, and the essence of romantic love. Only the most discerning and sincere boyfriends were exposed to the lush beauty of Gibran's writings. My friends and I entered another world of desert tribes, harems, wise ones, a place of poetry where people actually listened to each other....

Then said Almitra, "Speak to us of Love."

And he raised his head and looked upon the people,

And there fell a stillness upon them.

And with a great voice he said:

"When love beckons to you follow him,

Though his ways are hard and steep."

Along with poetic revelations in book form, I discovered that the "youth music" my parents tolerated but dismissed as light weight, was full of amazing writers and poets that expanded pop tunes into heart rending and intriguing stories. I connected with. Bernie Taupin and Elton John. They could romp and tease and wring real tears from jaded teenage eyes. My all-time favorite is Come Down In Time a look into the hopeful soul of the lover, unsure and ultimately disappointed by the beloved.

"Come Down In Time"

- Bernie Taupin and Elton John

In the quiet silent seconds I turned off the light switch

And I came down to meet you in the half light the moon left.

While a cluster of night jars sang some songs out of tune

A mantle of bright light shone down from a room.

Come down in time I still hear her say

So clear in my ear like it was today.

Come down in time was the message she gave.

Come down in time and I'll meet you half way.

Well I don't know if I should have heard her as yet

But a true love like hers is a hard love to get

And I've walked most all the way and I ain't heard her call

And I'm getting to thinking if she's coming at all.

Come down in time I still hear her say

So clear in my ear like it was today.

Come down in time was the message she gave.

Come down in time and I'll meet you half way.

There are women and women and some hold you tight

While some leave you counting the stars in the night.

*Sigh* Great stuff to revisit and allow myself to really feel, strongly feel. Let my heart bleed emotion and feel my lip quiver. Let my mind, heart, and body revel in the skillful rendering of words that create beauty and mystery. Recognize that words, music, art have power. Let the stories and songs move me. Let go and be young at heart again.

May all beings know love, peace, and rapture.