The Peace Of Wild Things by Wendell Berry When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And … Continue reading →
Love by Jalaluddin Rumi Are you fleeing from Love because of a single humiliation? What do you know of Love except the name? Love has a hundred forms of pride and disdain, and is gained by a hundred means of persuasion. Since Love is loyal, it purchases one who is loyal: it has no interest in a disloyal companion. The human being resembles a tree; its root is a covenant with God: that root must be cherished with all one’s might. A weak covenant is … Continue reading →
Time it was, and what a time it was, it was A time of innocence, a time of confidences Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph Preserve your memories, they’re all that’s left you Old Friends by Paul Simon and Arthur Garfunkel Old friends, Old friends Sat on their park bench Like bookends. A newspaper blown though the grass Falls on the round toes Of the high shoes Of the old friends. Old friends, Winter companions, The old men Lost in their overcoats, … Continue reading →
Empire of the Sun is a 1987 English language epic film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Christian Bale, John Malkovich, and Mirand Richardson. It is based on thenovel of the same name by J.G. Ballard; the film’s screenplay being adapted by Tom Stoppard and Menno Meyjes. The film was critically acclaimed, being nominated for six Oscars and winning three BAFTAs (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) for Cinematography, Music and Sound. Bale received a special citation for Best Performance by a Juvenile Actor from the … Continue reading →
Above: Conrad Kiesel (1846-1921), The Lute Player , oil on canvas. German A Tribute to Thomas Campion The English poet, composer and doctor Thomas Campion (1567-1620), established his reputation as a poet in the 1590s and published his first songs in 1601. He wrote and composed masques for royal entertainment, particularly after the succession of King James of Scotland to the throne of England as James I, and was unusual in that he wrote both words and music for his many songs with lute accompaniment. Campion’s musical legacy consists entirely … Continue reading →
Fame was one of my favorite movies growing up. It was funny and serious at the same time. Fame is a 1980 musical film conceived and produced by David De Silva, directed by Alan parker, and written by Christopher Gore. The film follows a group of students through their studies at the New York High School of Performing Arts beginning with their audtions all the way to their graduation. The film is split into sections corresponding to auditions, freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years. Irene Cara, one of … Continue reading →
Right: Dante Alighieri painted by Sandro Botticelli (1444-1510). Click to enlarge. Dante Alighieri, or simply Dante (mid-May to mid-June 1265 -September 13/14, 1321), was an Italian poet from Florence. His central work, The Divina Commedia (originally called “Commedia” and later called “Divina” (divine) by Boccaccio hence “Divina Commedia”), is considered the greatest literary work composed in the Italian language and a masterpiece of world literature. In Italian he is known as “the Supreme Poet” (il Sommo Poeta). Dante, Petrarch and Boccaccio are also known as … Continue reading →
Rainbow Bridge author unknown There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies , the pet goes to this special place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each … Continue reading →
Autumn Trees by Laurita A New England October can have days that seem like winter. In this poem, frost wants to put off those wintry days and keep the golden fullness of autumn. He speaks directly to October, in a kind of prayer. October by Robert Frost O hushed October morning mild, Thy leaves have ripened to the fall To-morrow’s wind, if it be wild, Should waste them all. The crows above the forest call To-morrow they may form and go. O hushed October morning mild, Begin … Continue reading →
Daniel Pearl recognized the ability of music to bridge differences among people. In the spirit of Pearl’s love of music and commitment to dialogue, the Daniel Pearl Foundation (formed by his family) launched the first Daniel Pearl World Music Days on October 10, 2002, which would have been Pearl’s 39th birthday. World Music Days is an international network of concerts using the power of music to reaffirm our commitment to tolerance and humanity. It is an “awareness raiser,” not a fundraiser. There is no financial … Continue reading →
