Growing up, I would have mixed tapes to listen to at night while going to sleep. My favorite tape had Skateaway from Dire Straits on it and it was one of the most memorable songs. While the lyrics didn’t exactly align with the sentiment of the time, the melody and title greatly resonated with the time. That time was growing up in Brooklyn when the 80’s started and we all know parts of NYC at that time. This song, Skateaway was my escape song, the thought that there was something else out there besides this, something to find and be rewarded for the perseverance of looking. It had a satisfying up tone melody that gave hope and direction.
Today, I find myself listening to it again, with the same feelings. Not of the escape of violence and chaos, but for this time, running to something I’ve discovered instead of running away. Running to self-awareness and acceptance of self. To ignore the failures and disappointments of the past and deny the fear and worries of the future. Only focusing on the present, the now, the contentment. For me now, it’s about how do I get there from here. What are the steps, the transitional moments, the pain and joy along the journey and frankly, what the hell is the destination anyway. I don’t know. I do know the course I’ve been on has “run it’s course”. Life changes, circumstances change, people change, desires change. It’s ok. I am the bringer of my own balance.
As in my favorite song, Cygnus X-1 Book Two: Hemispheres
“We can walk our road together if our goals are all the same
We can run alone and free if we pursue a different aim
Let the truth of Love be lighted, let the love of truth shine clear
Sensibility, armed with sense and liberty
With the Heart and Mind united in a single perfect sphere”
L u k e n . o r g 