the joy of giving.

She woke up that morning, and immediately set a resolution. In the comforting darkness of the early morn, and in the warmth of blankets, she resolved to abandon all selfish thought; to live her life not for herself, but for others.

And so she did so. At lunch time, she couldn't wait any longer. She wanted her best friend to hear the song she wrote; the song she wrote just for her. After all, her sadness yesterday inspired her to write it, solely because a comforting song might be all that she needed. As the phone rang, she cherished the selfless thought. The thought of making someone else's day a whole lot more endurable.

The words came out of her, just as the music flowed from the piano. She loved those blue chords, and secretly hoped her best friend had heard them and loved them too. In the midst of the noisiest of places, a special, pleasurable feeling of peace filled her; and it lingered long after the song was over. Seeing her best friend smile made her feel especially glad. It was like receiving an award from heaven. She had never thought that giving could feel so good - probably even better than receiving anything.

Her friend thanked her and left in a hurry, so she made her way home alone. But when she stepped out, everything seemed different. The sky was a bright blue, the breeze hurried happily over the green field. Friends were walking together and laughing; and even her loneliness did not seem so bad anymore. She thought about what she had just sung, and wondered if the lyrics applied to her as well. Up ahead in her mind, she saw that usual train of thought approaching her again. However, she stood up to them this time, and stopped herself. She stopped and said under her breath:
"Moving on."

~

(song for a friend)

At times like this, there are no answers
to feelings of love and loss;
so all I can do is to sing you a song
of comfort - cos I still love you.

I know its hard
I know its not easy
But its better to forget than to lose.
And when times get rough,
and the world is in blue;
just remember, this song's for you.

I know what it's like, I understand you -
the ache in your heart and soul.
But all I can give is a friendship of love
and joy to see you through.

I know its hard
I know its not easy
But its better to forget than to lose.
And when times get rough,
and the world is in blue;
just remember, this song's for you.

Just remember, this song's for you...


(ame, 9/1/07)