Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Out of Place

K and I have observed that for every situation there is a song. This week marks the passing of my old blog. Its time had passed. I have changed. Its audience has changed, too. As the song below suggests, nothing's gone forever, only out of place.

It seems to me that when accepting change, it helps to belong to a Nordic people. We live, after all, in a place where there are seasons. Oh, I'm sure everywhere there are changes that repeat yearly, such as heavy rainfall and the like. In this part of Canada, at this time of year, anticipation builds as spring gets closer. It is a wonderful time that marks the beginning of new life after many months of hibernation for the plants, animals, and many humans, too.

In April, birds return from places where food is available year-round. Insects begin to buzz about looking for those first bits of nourishment where so recently there was only snow.

I grew up in a largish city (not compared with Cairo or Wuhan) - Toronto - where snow that accumulated soon became a black mess. Spring meant seeing the water part drain away so that shovels and brooms could remove the stuff that made it black. That was definitely a welcome part of spring.

Cycles seem natural. When something ends unexpectedly, however, there is a feeling that somehow a contract has been broken. In reality, even in a cyclical process, change gradually takes place. Eventually the conditions needed for some part of the cycle disappear. That part ends. So it is here. Some birds and insects we grew up noticing will not return because it is subtly warmer each year. The change in climate means the plant they eat doesn't grow as well or at all. They haven't died off. That plant now grows better somewhere else because it also warmed up. So if you want to see that bird or the insect they eat, visit there. Others replace those who have left. That is the way of things. 

As for me, I haven't really left. I'm right here. 


The Place Where Lost Things Go

Do you ever lie awake at night
Just between the dark and the morning light
Searching for the things you used to know
Looking for the place where the lost things go

Do you ever dream or reminisce
Wondering where to find what you truly miss
Maybe all those things that you love so
Are waiting in the place where the lost things go

Memories you've shared
Gone for good you feared
They're all around you still though they've disappeared
Nothing's really left or lost without a trace
Nothing's gone forever only out of place

So maybe now the dish and my best spoon
Are playing hide and seek just behind the moon
Waiting there until it's time to show
Spring is like that now
Far beneath the snow
Hiding in the place where the lost things go

Time to close your eyes so sleep can come around
For when you dream you'll find all that's lost is found
Maybe on the moon
Or maybe somewhere new
Maybe all you're missing lives inside of you

So when you need her touch and loving gaze
Gone but not forgotten is the perfect phrase
Smiling from a star that she makes glow
Trust she's always there
Watching as you grow
Find her in the place
Where the lost things go

Copyright 2018 Disney Enterprises, Inc. 

2 comments:

  1. Hello Deanna/Halle, (Maybe a new name is in order?)

    This is a very thought-provoking post, and beautiful as well. And the song was written by a genius.

    As I get older, I can empathise with much that you say, I do wonder where has all the spiritual excitement and fire gone? Maybe there are also seasons at work here. Perhaps one cannot maintain the enthusiasm because one needs a season of rest. It is then that faith becomes so important and, yes, vital.

    I await a new spring, in hope and expectation. Thank you again.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Tom. Deanna will do just fine - it's my name. I will always have a soft spot for the name Halle though.
      We definitely agree about the song and there should be credits for the composers; Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

      In the case of the old blog, I know that extreme need drove me. The need fulfilled, my attention and excitement lie elsewhere. I shall happily explore those here in the future.

      We shall chat soon I hope.

      D

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