“When the sun in the morning
Peaks over the hill
I wake up with the lilacs
On Mocking Bird Hill
Trah laa lah tweedly dee dee
It gives me a thrill
To wake up in the morning
On Mocking Bird Hill”
Oh what rejoicing to hear that old song
I remember how wonderful it was to sing along.
I was just a young woman
Or perhaps a wild child
Life was so full of wonder.
Curiosity had its own wondrous pile
I lived in Europe in the sixties
It was “flower power” you see.
I was young, curious and romantic
It was great to be me.
I had long flowing hair
Dyed strawberry-Blondie
There was open air markets
The vendors sang their song.
“Fresh fruit” and “flowers” ”soft hot brochien” too.
They would haggle their prices
They expected you to.
Large knock-wurst and veisswurst
On a large open bun
Then the Dusseldorf mustard added to the fun.
You bit into to the sausage
You don’t have to guess
Big gobs of mustard ran over your chin
Dripped onto your dress.
You threw back your head in a mischievous grin.
Stashing a dill pickle for the walk home
The hills of the city were my favorite places to roam.
The talking and laughter when you rode the tour bus
Was nothing like the silence you get here with us.
The soccer matches were blaring above the conversational roar
Oh, the great magic as they called out the score.
Because I spoke English they thought Britain my team
So they poured my congratulations in a never-ending stream
Of liquid libations in various glasses.
I often wonder if Germany had won that day
How in the world was I ever going to pay
For all the eighty nationals riding on the tour
I think I would still be washing dishes
That is for sure.
We took the bus to ride on the boat
Down the Rhine to the castle tour
The dirt in the river kept it afloat.
My landlord’s wife had packed us a lunch
There were garlic sandwiches
We were a stinking bunch.
We toured through the castles
We walked up to the turrets
Oh what a view
Of farm lands and gentle hills
Industrial areas too.
The hospitality of the castles
Included the wine cellars
With the various flavors in a wondrous display
I lived there for almost six years
No wonder I have ‘dementia’ today.
Seriously folks I have had a great life
My memories of the travel, step-children, hard work
Gives spring to my step today.
Life is here in this moment.
I learned of many cultures
Many songs and stories too.
Most of all I learned how important it is
To awaken with song.
To give of that beauty all day long.
Sometimes it flows easy.
Sometimes there are shards.
But I do my best.
Give the Master the rest
I do not make my life hard.
So ask I you when you look inward
Give yourself a break
Know that you are poetry in motion
For goodness sake….
Know that and be that.
Your Light will shine through.
Know that “life is worth the living”
Be kind, be more forgiving
In all that you do.
Now I ask you with a open hand
Ain’t life grand?
