Persephone Arbour

Just because I am 76 years old, this doesn’t mean that my love is old, or my thoughts are old, or my sexuality is old.

Just because I am 76 years old, this doesn’t mean that my words are old, or my spirit is old or my dreams are old.

I have been sitting at my computer this morning, playing around with the music of Sting on itunes. This was because, last night I watched a DVD documentary called ‘Sting – All this time’. As I was browsing, I found myself really surprised to find that I was doing this at all! The judgment came: “How come you, Persephone, a classically trained musician, are browsing the Sting repertoire at your age?”

The answer came: “Because I was deeply moved by the DVD I watched”. Being moved by watching and listening to pop musicians jamming and creating music together is NOT the prerogative of the young. The musician within me is ageless, my tastes can embrace a wide range of music. What was so special last night – was the skill, self-knowledge and love that Sting showed towards his fellows. Although the leader of the band – he managed the art of leadership with incredible generosity, patience and, yes – love. This is rare in the community of performers – large egos can often get in the way.

I am grateful that my own self-judgment (which IS old!) opened up the first sentences in this post. I would like to add that the creative rehearsal section of this Sting DVD came the day before 9/11. They received the news just before giving the live performance. You will have to watch the DVD to see how they handled it.