I was listening to my MP3 files on shuffle yesterday to this song, and I had the most vivid flashbacks of my first visit to New York City, in 1983. I was with some friends from college – we'd somehow convinced ourselves that driving from Minnesota to NYC for a 4 day weekend was a good idea. So after 24 hours of driving straight through, we crossed the George Washington Bridge into Manhattan. I didn't take any pictures on that trip, but here's some random internet-found photos that capture the feeling of seeing NYC for the first time from that perspective.
The song's theme (Irish politics) doesn't match my vivid mental images at all, but they're indelibly linked in my brain.
I THINK we are too ready with complaint In this fair world of God's. Had we no hope Indeed beyond the zenith and the slope Of yon gray blank of sky, we might grow faint To muse upon eternity's constraint Round our aspirant souls; but since the scope Must widen early, is it well to droop, For a few days consumed in loss and taint? O pusillanimous Heart, be comforted And, like a cheerful traveller, take the road Singing beside the hedge. What if the bread Be bitter in thine inn, and thou unshod To meet the flints ? At least it may be said 'Because the way is short, I thank thee, God.' – Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Below is a scan of a photo I took in 1985. I believe it's from the top of Notre Dame in Paris, looking north (?) – I suppose I could figure it out using googleearth if I worked at it. Note the yon gray blank of sky. That's how I remember my time in Paris that year.
Feeling tired and burnt out at the moment. Not much to say.
I saw a description of some tornados in Oklahoma that said: "pants-dampening tornados." This was funny.
What I'm listening to right now.
Depeche Mode, "Walking in My Shoes." It was the continuous soundtrack of much darker times – still near the top of my complicated list of loved music.
Lyrics:
I would tell you about the things They put me through The pain I've been subjected to But the Lord himself would blush The countless feasts laid at my feet Forbidden fruits for me to eat But I think your pulse would start to rush
Now I'm not looking for absolution Forgiveness for the things I do But before you come to any conclusions Try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes
You'll stumble in my footsteps Keep the same appointments I kept If you try walking in my shoes If you try walking in my shoes
Morality would frown upon Decency look down upon The scapegoat fate's made of me But I promise now, my judge and jurors My intentions couldn't have been purer My case is easy to see
I'm not looking for a clearer conscience Peace of mind after what I've been through And before we talk of any repentance Try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes
You'll stumble in my footsteps Keep the same appointments I kept If you try walking in my shoes If you try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes
Now I'm not looking for absolution Forgiveness for the things I do But before you come to any conclusions Try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes
You'll stumble in my footsteps Keep the same appointments I kept If you try walking in my shoes
You'll stumble in my footsteps Keep the same appointments I kept If you try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes If you try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes
