Ponder on That

Sherrif Andy Griffith would often make a point to the citizens of Mayberry with the closing words "ponder on that a while."  Recently, DeJuana and I began rehearsals for a fall concert with the Irving Chorale and were introduced to a challenging number titled BEAT, BEAT, DRUMS.  Thanks to the internet search engines and the analysis of Bremen Ray, I now have a better understanding of the text.  As Andy would say - ponder on that.

The words of Walt Whitman's BEAT! BEAT! DRUMS! first appeared in the Boston Daily Evening Transcript in 1861, and although Whitman sounded a call to duty during the early days of the Civil War, these words should speak clearly to our world in this 2K century. 

Whitman was adamant that the absurdity of normalcy was an indicator of problems which needed to be resolved - and required everyone's attention.  He left no section of society untouched as he beckoned the scholar, the religious, the young, and the indifferent.  He challenged those who pursued materialistic gains rather than moral gains and urged the whole of society to reevaluate doing business as usual.

The piece as a whole is a response to inaction. It is unsympathetic to the apathetic nature of society and attempts to inspire passion through beautiful language. Each of its symbols paint a picture of society and asks for each member of society to act and make the sacrifices necessary. (Bremen Ray - 2009)

Just as Whitman contended that everyone should know of the war, we too should be aware of the conflicts at hand.  Ours is not confined to the battles being conducted by military forces or even the struggle that exists with the criminal and ethical elements of society.  We are faced with a decline in patriotism, respect for things sacred, and the care of our neighbor. How long will the sounds of drums and bugles be ignored while we rest upon our laurels, wait for our entitlements, or proclaim "that's not my job"?

BEAT! beat! drums!--Blow! bugles! blow!
Through the windows--through doors--burst like a ruthless force,
Into the solemn church, and scatter the congregation;
Into the school where the scholar is studying;
Leave not the bridegroom quiet--no happiness must he have now with his bride;
Nor the peaceful farmer any peace, plowing his field or gathering his grain;
So fierce you whirr and pound, you drums--so shrill you bugles blow.

Beat! beat! drums!--Blow! bugles! blow!
Over the traffic of cities--over the rumble of wheels in the streets:
Are beds prepared for sleepers at night in the houses? No sleepers must sleep in those beds;
No bargainers' bargains by day--no brokers or speculators--Would they continue?
Would the talkers be talking? would the singer attempt to sing?
Would the lawyer rise in the court to state his case before the judge?
Then rattle quicker, heavier drums--you bugles wilder blow.

Beat! beat! drums!--Blow! bugles! blow!
Make no parley--stop for no expostulation;
Mind not the timid--mind not the weeper or prayer;
Mind not the old man beseeching the young man;
Let not the child's voice be heard, nor the mother's entreaties;
Make even the trestles to shake the dead, where they lie awaiting the hearses,
So strong you thump, O terrible drums--so loud you bugles blow.

Wrinkles or Smile Lines?

Times were tough.  Our nation was only a few years removed from the depression.  Hitler was building the Nazi party and it looked as though the USA would soon be involved in a major military conflict over seas.  Times were difficult (not much different from what we are living in today).  People need to laugh, to smile.

It was in the early '40's, Larry Shay, Mark Fisher, and Joe Goodwin composed the tune "When You're Smiling", which was recorded by Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and others.  Just a few years later Allen Funt introduced  a radio show called "Candid Microphone" where a series of theatrical film shorts were played for the enjoyment of those who tuned in.  Within a year, "Candid Camera", a hidden camera/practical joke reality television series, was aired.  I remember many Saturday evenings around the black and white TV set (that's right black and white with Reynolds wrap foil on the antenna, no remote). 

As television programming developed sitcoms became a staple for family humor.  Vaudeville acts became stand up comedy, there were variety show, and even talent search shows - all intended to make the audience laugh and smile.  Interestingly, these shows all managed to be effective without laff trax, special effects and emcee hype or drama.

I remember the old WRR radio station in Dallas hosting a "Library of Laughs" at 9:40 every evening.  I listened to many hours of Bill Cosby, Bob Newhart, Tim Conway and others when I should have been doing homework.  They made me laugh and smile.

Time changes things and often our smile gets pushed beneath the thoughts of providing for a family, making a deadline for the office project, dealing with other serious matters.  I probably missed some great opportunities to smile by being too preoccupied.

Life is good, despite what the DOW may indicate.  I have my wonderful wife, fantastic children and spouses, and adoreable, smile making grand children.

Check out http://www.ted.com/talks/ron_gutman_the_hidden_power_of_smiling

Worth Viewing

I am continually amazed at the amount of information which is almost instantly available to us.  I recently discovered a web site called TED.com.  There are so many presenters at this site, that just a few years ago one might have had to attend countless seminars and workshops to experience a portion of the material now only key strokes away.  If you've never been there, I encourage you to visit and find your favorite(s).

One that I especially enjoyed is found at www.ted.com/talks/ric-elias.html .