Persephone Arbour

Many years ago in the 70s and early 80s, I would often use the music of John Denver as a scene-setter, or a trigger for some group structure. These were the days when I worked a lot with groups of varying kinds. Some people loved his music, some hated it – labelling it as corny and over ‘sweet’. Although understanding the critics – for my work, his work was perfect. His voice was always very clear and his lyrics came straight from the heart of a man who knew well the feelings and situations he wrote about. His was a troubled soul. His death, and the way he died – inevitable . . . flying his beloved plane until the petrol ran out . . .

Today came a letter with a lovely response to the recently published article: Guest post: The questions that are never answered, by James Bonser. It included this video of a song that I have never previously heard. It had been sent to me, to wish me well for my up-coming operation for a new knee! I had received much from John Denver’s music – so want to thank Jackie for her thoughtfulness. She wouldn’t have known anything about my affection for Denver’s music – so again, serendipity arrives just when needed!

The Wandering Soul

In this magic hour of softening light
The moments in between the day and the night
The instant when all shadows disappear
The distance in between the love and fear

There’s a longing deep within the wandering soul
It’s like the half that understands it once was whole
Like the two who only dream of being one
Like the moon whose only light is in the sun

There’s a danger in forever looking outside
You start to believe that all your prayers have been denied
And you forget the sound of your own name
And thus begins the suffering and the pain

I wanted an answer, I want to know why
I wanted to know just what to do and what to say
I wanted a reason, I want to know why
Can there never be heaven right here on earth and peace inside

Inside my heart
Deep in my soul
Within each part
And in the whole

There’s a promise in the journeys of the mind
You begin to believe that there are miracles you will find
And that someday you’ll remember who you are
The seed within a bright and shining star

That’s like the flame that lives within a hungering heart
That only awaits a gift of love for it to spark
Into a fire that burns forever, endlessly
Like the river that can’t help but meet the sea

In this magic hour between the dark and the dawn
In the space between the silence and the song
Suddenly the mystery is clear
That love is only letting go of fear

Love is the answer and love is the way
Love is in knowing just what to do and what to say
And love is the reason, love is the why
And love is in heaven right here on earth and peace inside.

John Denver – The Wandering Soul