October’s dazzle
Many afternoons one or both of us will grab a leash and call the dog for a walk in the October sunshine, leaving the earbuds at home. The sounds and sights along a gravel country road do much more for the soul than news feeds or entertaining podcasts ever can.
In the midst of autumn’s dazzle and the tease of lingering summery days, we feel in our bones the impermanence of everything. On All Souls’ Day, just around the corner, we’ll remember loved ones who have “crossed the bar” before us.
More than a decade ago, on his final visit to our home, Maria’s ailing dad picked up a book of poems from our coffee table, came across Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem “Crossing the Bar,” and through tears read it to us.
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
Later we adapted it as a song, adding a chorus and bridge, which you can hear wherever you stream your music, including on Spotify and YouTube.
We’re working on our new album, and look forward to sharing it with you – hopefully early next year!
