A treasured memory from last Fall--time with Marissa Riggan in St. Andrews. Tempests on the beach. Slicing down sandcastles...
Fall is a protective time. I am prepared again, with my wool and flannel armor. Layer it up, the more for safety. We find the world has shrunk back to size. There’s so much exquisite beauty; but always with the turn of…something. What is the feeling of Fall?
An ache.
The most complicated feeling. I don’t know how to say it, but we all know. Music means, where keystrokes can’t. These songs have helped me bathe in the unknown feeling for these first days of our season. Some of them have been with me since way back. Anyways, they all express figments of the mystery to me. My Fall, my dear Fall…
If you want, click the links to hear (most of them are on YouTube):
1. The Long and Winding Road–The Beatles
The path wanders on, and it’s not all green, full; no, wild and winding. But it’s worth trodding.
2. Little Pad–The Beach Boys
Coming down off your Beach Boys high, in this last little bit of melancholic defiance; just a little pad in Hawaii, please give me Lord.
3. Hang Out the Stars in Indiana–Al Bowlly
Storming heavy out there, and I couldn’t give a fig.
4. Midnight Rider- The Allman Brothers
When it gets rough. After too many mushy days in a row–just keep on my friend.
5. Carrion Suite–Andrew Bird
From dusk ’til dawn, watch those leaves fall. Don’t miss a single one. But you will, oh God you will.
6. Sun in My Mouth–Bjork
I shall bundle up in as many blankets as I have. Ward off the sensual overtures of this nordic nymph lady if I can.
7. Zawinul / Lava–Brian Eno
The sounds you hear under a rock, or in a shell, or a going blackberry, taut to bursting.
8. Child Is Father of the Man–Brian Wilson
Easy my child, I promise, the last surf of the year. It’s getting too cold for this old wet suit.
9. Buckeye Jim–Burl Ives
Grandpas are falltime kings, presiding at feasts in hollows, and singing to children in somnulent aftermath.
10. By the People–Van Dyke Parks
Violins whinny, bells toll, rain thunders. Solemn absurdity finds no friend as it does in fall. Old enough to look you in the face and be ashamed not at all.
11. Central and Remote–Grizzly Bear
Fall is dynamism. The Surprising Season. A cold snap, an unexpected ray. Woo, whisper and shout; central, remote.
12. Green Grass, Red Tree–The Innocence Mission
Breathe back goodness into everything Lord–and beauty. No caveats. Un-addendable. Even Autumn will be redeemed.
13. All My Stars Aligned–St. Vincent
Warmness wells up inside you, up into your throat. Love is the answer. Be warm-hearted.
14. Walking Man–James Taylor
The Fall song. My Fall song.
15 Sleeping Bear, Sault Saint Marie–Sufjan Stevens
Nostalgia is an affliction that never gets satisfied. It swells, and eventually it hurts, and eventually it leaves you be.
My Boys. Trey and Barak. I miss you; I miss the Isis; I miss the Oxford chill. Paddy's. I hope we meet again soon my friends.
“Music means, where keystrokes can’t.”
Favorite line.
I will go listen to all of these songs (when I’m not in class, like I am now).
-Marisa
Ah, I see–the ol’ in class internet stroll. Grate stawf, and thanks friend
Ahh- Fall time is my most favorite season! I made a new play list I titled Autumn. Your Fall song- Walking Man made it on – and a few others you have introduced to me!
Cozy times a comin’…
Love- Mom