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From the Other Side of the Edge….
A “Grown Up
Christmas List”, …for a “World in Need”
By Joe Facinoli
Every year about this time, a couple of cracks in the ol’ safety façade
(which I’ve carefully constructed to keep the world around me
manageable, and at bay, when most needed), allow in some unexpected
moments of honest reflection, …and of true humanity.
The cynicism wanes just a bit, …the aggravation from all the world’s
frustrating and pointless doings subsides for a minute, maybe two, …and
a few peaceful thoughts, and even downright pleasantness, find their
way inside.
What brings about this usually rejected cranial activity, is
accidentally happening upon a “song of the season”, which somehow
touches a previously unnoticed, and not supposed to be so vulnerable
nerve or emotion, …and makes me stop, think a little differently, …and
then, uncontrollably, smile the joyous smile of genuine hope and
promise.
It’s a nice feeling, for as long as it lasts, …and I always try to let
it hang around a while, on the off chance the world might actually
change even a little, for its effort and presence.
During this “Season”, over the past two or three years, I’ve written
about my favorite (and maybe the only) political Christmas song, which
has such a happy, and directed message (and melodic hook), that it gets
me every time.
John Lennon’s “And so This is Christmas…”, also known
as “Happy Christmas (War is Over…)”.
I can’t help but listen, to that whole song all the way through, every
time it finds me, …wherever I might be. It’s a
classic, and I think, …says it all, socially, politically, and
spiritually.
But this year, I stumbled across another classic, which stopped me
cold, and made me listen and think about it, almost as much as my old
“friend” John’s song has, …for so long.
It’s one, that could also be argued has a political message, …but which
is so pure and unselfish, that the honest feelings and intentions of
the songwriter come clearly through, grab you, and make you stop and
think.
And, …if you have a heart in there somewhere, …smile.
“My Grown Up Christmas List”, written by Linda Thompson (of Elvis
fame), and recorded by any number of well-known singers, over the
years.
The best of these versions, I believe, is by Kelly Clarkson, …although
Michael Buble, Amy Grant, Barbara Streisand (who, as usual, over-sings
it), and even Aretha, among many, have given it a shot on a Christmas
album, or show.
But the Magic is in the words, …no matter who sings them.
They are sent to the “Big Man” (Santa himself), and, in its beginning,
explain to him that although as children we dreamt of all the wonderful
toys and gifts he might bring us, and what all those terrific looking
boxes and wrappings under our tree might be, ….today, as Grown Ups, we
have a starkly different list of “Gifts”, which we request of him.
The “List” is basic, …and so beautiful, in its simplicity.
Only Six items, …six unselfish hopes, for all humanity.
Pointed, …but selfless. Pure, …but
complex. Heartfelt wishes, for all of us, everywhere,
…and in every corner of this planet we all share.
Linda says her list is “not for myself”, Santa, but for “a world in
need”. Is it ever. Let’s listen to her
words.
The “Grown Up Christmas List”:
1) “No More Lives Torn Apart”
Such a simple, sincere request, …but one which covers nearly
everything, in almost every situation.
From victims of wars, terrorism, and murder, to sexual assault and
abuse, to drugs and alcoholism, neglectful and/or absent parents,
racism, political tyranny and religious persecution, all the way down
to unfeeling, individual cruelty.
I choose to read it by adding one small phrase: “…and so
needlessly.”
2) “That Wars Would Never Start”
The key word here is “Start”. That’s when all the
suffering, death, and destruction happens, after these damned things
get started.
It’s too late then, and they take on a life of their own, once begun,
with a soulless, perpetual nature to them. No one ever
truly wins them, …either.
3) “And Time Would Heal All Hearts”
Wow. Wouldn’t that be something, …really.
There’s a lot of heartache in this world, with the broken hearts from
poor or troubled personal relationships, …being only the least of
them.
And the aching, crushed, and empty hearts of parents and families who
have lost children and others held close, because of those damnable
wars, or to the whims of dictators and demagogues, …probably being the
worst of them.
4) “Everyone Would Have a Friend”
Everyone should have someone, …a partner, a spouse, a faithful buddy,
even a dog or a cat or something, …to share with, to depend on, to
confide in, to trust with your thoughts and emotions, and your
troubles, when most needed.
Too often, we foolishly toss these kinds of relationships away, like so
much idle chatter, thinking there will always be
another. And too often, there is not.
These are to be cherished, and cultivated, and giving of oneself to,
…honestly, openly, and without reservation. Your
world will be a better place, for such a small effort.
5) “That Right Would Always Win”
Isn’t this what everyone wants, and what we all talk about, …doing the
“Right Thing” ?? Doesn’t it always
come down to that? Then why don’t we do it??
We all know right from wrong, and we all know what the right things
are, …and yet, it’s so easy not to. Looking in the
mirror, and thinking twice about most things, would make all worlds,
…individual and universal, …better for everyone.
6) “That Love Would Never End”
Many folks claim to have found this one spiritually, but here on
the mortal earth, …wouldn’t this be the perfect solution to all issues
and problems ?
Especially in situations when one still feels so deeply for another,
…but the other no longer shares that same tenderness.
Love has so many levels, and shades, and nuances, that once we have
even the smallest clue as to what it might be, or might hold for us,
this feeling, this understanding, …can carry us for a
lifetime.
We should remember Love’s uniqueness more, …and use it, …in
everything.
Not just words, this specially enumerated “List” of Linda Thompson, and
Kelly Clarkson, et al, …but feelings, thoughts, and emotions meant to
guide us, shape all our relationships, and make the world a better
place.
For everyone, …everywhere, …and in every Season of the year.
A tall order, …but I think Santa’s up to it, ….if we let
him.
Joe Facinoli
--Joe can be reached at: joefacinoli@gmail.com
-Intelligent Response Encouraged !!
© Copyright 2014, Joe Facinoli
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