During hard times like these, I think stories about one person, one family at a time are part of what help us keep our hearts open. So many people in the comments have said they know (or are related to) someone like Carl. We don't know Carl's face, but each of us knows the face of somebody like him, and picturing one face, hearing one story, at a time connects us in the family ways, the community ways, that give us the roots we need to keep growing and keep caring.
Which is a long way to say thank you, Jeni. I'm so sorry for what Carl had to live through in this life. I'm believing he's found his voice and his peace again in New Life, singing along with your dad and the rest of the band at that Picnic you mention every so often. 💛🌿
What a compassionate and open-eyed comment on my January Song of the Month for "Carl." I always look to Elizabeth to see inside what I'm making and reflect my work back to me in her keen poetic way. Thank you, Elizabeth the poet.
Thank you for sharing Carl’s story, Jeni. People have so many wounds that others can’t see, don’t they?💔 I’ve been through that tunnel so many times. I will see it differently now.
That's so true, Carol. I am really grateful for the many compassionate and empathetic responses to Carl's song, including yours. I was worried about singing about a difficult life during a difficult time. But as you say, Carl's story helps us to remember we aren't alone in our struggle. I'm sending you so much love across the sea and the states.
Yes, thanks for sharing Carl's story. Too many faimilies have people like Carl. Some survive, some don't but their songs, their stories need to be sung and told. Thank you for sharing Carl's.
It warms my heart to think of the two of you stitching together. Aside from merely being happy that you’ve found each other, I had a vision of you, like two of the fates, but repairing the fragmented world one thread at a time. Except of course that it wears thin in other places while you work (heck, I think there’s a song in that!)
Thank you, Charlotte. It was your essay some time ago about telling hard things that helped me to write this song in the first place. And it was your recent note where you reminded us of your previous essay on conflict that gave me encouragement to release this. So, you've played a huge part in my tribute to Carl. Love to you.
I very much appreciate your comment, Pete. The road isn't so smooth for all of us, is it. I love how you understand that so well. I'm glad that your friendship brightens my life. You and CLP and ET make me feel smiley inside just thinking about you. That first line started off the whole song for me when I wrote it. Just came out of my brain when I thought about "Carl." Paw fives and cyber hugs, always.
I wish I could've hugged Carl! I agree with you we all need a good lament from time to time. Mooney, Kenneth and I send our love. 🐾❤️✌🏼
Carl would have loved you, Amity. He was always trying to get out of that tunnel and some days he made it. Those were the best days.
During hard times like these, I think stories about one person, one family at a time are part of what help us keep our hearts open. So many people in the comments have said they know (or are related to) someone like Carl. We don't know Carl's face, but each of us knows the face of somebody like him, and picturing one face, hearing one story, at a time connects us in the family ways, the community ways, that give us the roots we need to keep growing and keep caring.
Which is a long way to say thank you, Jeni. I'm so sorry for what Carl had to live through in this life. I'm believing he's found his voice and his peace again in New Life, singing along with your dad and the rest of the band at that Picnic you mention every so often. 💛🌿
What a compassionate and open-eyed comment on my January Song of the Month for "Carl." I always look to Elizabeth to see inside what I'm making and reflect my work back to me in her keen poetic way. Thank you, Elizabeth the poet.
🙇🏼 💛
Thank you for sharing Carl’s story, Jeni. People have so many wounds that others can’t see, don’t they?💔 I’ve been through that tunnel so many times. I will see it differently now.
That's so true, Carol. I am really grateful for the many compassionate and empathetic responses to Carl's song, including yours. I was worried about singing about a difficult life during a difficult time. But as you say, Carl's story helps us to remember we aren't alone in our struggle. I'm sending you so much love across the sea and the states.
Yes, thanks for sharing Carl's story. Too many faimilies have people like Carl. Some survive, some don't but their songs, their stories need to be sung and told. Thank you for sharing Carl's.
Thank you very much, Simon. Your encouragement means so much to me.
Some folks are storytellers, you’re a storysinger.
🙏🏾
Thank you, India. What you say means so much to me. I’m sewing with Freda tomorrow and you are always part of our days together ♥️
It warms my heart to think of the two of you stitching together. Aside from merely being happy that you’ve found each other, I had a vision of you, like two of the fates, but repairing the fragmented world one thread at a time. Except of course that it wears thin in other places while you work (heck, I think there’s a song in that!)
Jeni, thank you for sharing Carl's story. So many people have seen things which change them, haunt them forever. It bears remembering.
Thank you for your beautiful comment, Robin.
Beautiful as always, Jeni. Sending love and hope to see you again before too long.
Thank you so much, Sarah. Safe travels to you and see you along the trail.
❤️
You brought Carl back to life with your heartfelt profile of him, Jeni. I'm glad to have met him through your words.
Thank you, Charlotte. It was your essay some time ago about telling hard things that helped me to write this song in the first place. And it was your recent note where you reminded us of your previous essay on conflict that gave me encouragement to release this. So, you've played a huge part in my tribute to Carl. Love to you.
Oh Jeni, I can't tell you how happy this makes me--that I have had a small part in this gorgeous tribute. Love, love, love, right back to you.
A powerful story. Conflict, love, anger. You spun it well Jeni. Had me at the first line, “ When you see a thing
that you can’t unsee,
you’ll spend your life
looking to get free.”
🫶🏻
I very much appreciate your comment, Pete. The road isn't so smooth for all of us, is it. I love how you understand that so well. I'm glad that your friendship brightens my life. You and CLP and ET make me feel smiley inside just thinking about you. That first line started off the whole song for me when I wrote it. Just came out of my brain when I thought about "Carl." Paw fives and cyber hugs, always.