image from flickr.com
The images from those times
flicker across the screen:
evolution, liberation,
we were all flinging off our chains.
The music of those days
sings through my wayfarer's soul,
takes me back,
with a lump in my throat,
and my heart gently weeps
for those long-gone hopeful days.
We came so close.
We thought we'd change the world.
The elders scoffed at our message
but our hearts were true.
Flower children,
daisies in gun barrels,
Peace and Love,
smiling hippies
in long flowing clothing,
bare feet on the pavement,
and the scent of patchouli
out the open windows.
The music of those days
sings through my wayfarer's soul,
takes me back,
with a lump in my throat,
and my heart gently weeps
for those long-gone hopeful days.
Kids, this afternoon I watched Part 1 of Living in the Material World, about George Harrison and the Beatles, and those fantastic days when some of us came of age, and turned Conservative on its ear. John Lennon was my special favorite, but I love what all the Beatles did for the music world. With their creativity, their amazing music, they shot the lid off the music scene, and showed us how to shake ourselves loose from our neat little picket-fence lives, find out who we really were and be it. All set against their music, which serenaded us like a lover through the seventies.
The night John Lennon was killed, I think I gave up hope for a time. We crawled back to our former lives and holed up, pulled our heads in. We had come so close to the dream, but too many of our leaders had been killed.
Some of us stayed outside the box. Some wound up working for The Man. Either way, we all were touched by the Beatles. Their songs will always make my heart weep for those long-gone days when I was just learning how to live, and their music fired my dreams.
Sherry, I remember those days. I remember those songs. I think each younger generation thinks they might change the world. That, I think, sometimes is the job of the younger generation (that once was us): to really have that hope!! To really believe it is possible. A thoughtful and thought-provoking write, Sherry.
ReplyDeleteThe Beatles were familiar!I went through those times. 'Please,please me', one of the earliest was wonderful before bedtime. We had 'lights out' at 9.30pm during our college days and that song lulled us to sleep.Thanks for the memories. Wonderful write Sherry!
ReplyDeleteHank
Sherry,
ReplyDeleteYes, I remember as well the great times these were and listened to the Beatles every day...was actually consumed by the lyrics and music. I love all of their solo performances, too.
Perhaps Sherry, new, great and honestly good leaders will emerge, we must believe they will. I do!
This was such a great work you did and it was a pleasure reading. Keep up the great work you do, you leader, you!
Thank You Sherry!
I too remember those days. We protested war and believed peace could happen. The Beatles had so much to say when we were willing to listen. I too weep for the me I left behind.
ReplyDeleteA nice reminder Sherry, but those "hopeful days" aren't long gone, "We're (I'm) Only Sleeping". :)
ReplyDeletewhat a time and what a group - I enjoyed this glimpse into your memory.
ReplyDeleteThose were the days...but I would like to believe that these days are still here, just in a different form, with the new generation ~ Happy day to you ~
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts, Sherry!
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in rural Ontario, my friends & I had a window seat on what was happening in the world through radio & TV.
Music, especially the Beatles, was a powerful link to the bigger picture. Expo 67 brought the world focus to Canada for a few minutes as our country celebrated 100 years of Canada!
Despite all the negatives of news today, I am reassured by the new generations coming along as these younger individuals take up the task of carving out their own lives. Best to you, Sherry!
Oh Sherry, you know that your and my soul were wayfarers at the same time in different lands and paths.
ReplyDeleteIn the 60's I was just beginning to open my eyes to my immediate surroundings after a few years prior I was trying to assimilate into a society that viewed me 'alien'. The flower children environment made my transition more amiable. But then, that ugly arm of war and the draft strangled my temporary reprieve from both my struggle of identity in a new world and my growth as a human being.
'Where have all the flowers gone, long time passing'?
Unfortunately, rearing its ugly head of prejudice, racism and inequality being perpetuatated in an insidious manner toward ethnicity, race and women, is a subject matter of an op-ed I'm constructing to submit for publication. I thought this had been reconciled by 'America'.
Wonderful attention to this reflecive piece, mi amiga.
I loved what you wrote
ReplyDeleteWhat a generation, it was a remarkable time.
We need this resurgence now!
Thank you for the reminder
You paint quite a view
Thank you for sharing this
It is important to make others aware of the hope that
Can build...
My step father hated the 60's. Hated the long haired louts as he used to call them. Hated their loud, noisy music and thought the world was going to the dogs with the rise of the hippies...we all told him he was such a 'square'...haha
ReplyDeleteThe Beatles were my most fav band at that time. I remember when they first appeared on our British TV my sister went nuts over Paul and his lovely smile... awww..happy memories you bought back with this tribute Sherry.
My step father hated the 60's. Hated the long haired louts as he used to call them. Hated their loud, noisy music and thought the world was going to the dogs with the rise of the hippies...we all told him he was such a 'square'...haha
ReplyDeleteThe Beatles were my most fav band at that time. I remember when they first appeared on our British TV my sister went nuts over Paul and his lovely smile... awww..happy memories you bought back with this tribute Sherry.
Ah - this took me back too ... my fav Beatles song ever was this one (even if it really ) ... very nice Sherry!
ReplyDeleteI was just a child then, but you did put me there!
ReplyDeleteSherry,
ReplyDeleteYou have written about times when there was a simplicity about life and I think a slightly slower pace. Music was important and influenced so many thoughts and actions....
Now the music has changed so much, as has the pace of life and the fears for the future.
An excellent look back to less stressful times:)
Eileen
Sorry for the late Blog visit, but I was in Ghent, Belgium attending an open-air Leonard Cohen concert. I am still dreaming with the music!!!
Thanks for your faithful visits to my poems Sherry.
Eileen:)
The music was a foundation that many of us stood on. Thanks for the reminder Sherry and don't give up hope, another generation will arise and find their own through another kind of music,
ReplyDeleteElizabeth