The Moment Of Dawning

photo by donna ~ summer 2013

The moment of dawning

just before the sun

rises on the horizon

The countryside landscape

lifted from darkness

by soft rays of light

Misty fog of morning dew

lays low upon the meadows

Like wisps of smoke rising

from the smoldering embers

of yesterday

Shadows quickly fading

into beautiful shades of gold and green

Stripping bare obscurity

revealing mysteries of simplistic grandeur

on nature's canvas

The moment of dawning

pushing through the twilight

Breathing sweet fresh life

into the rebirth of a new day

Dreams of tomorrow

and inspirations renewed

'Tapestry' by Carole King

Carole King's 'Tapestry' released in 1971 was among the first albums I ever bought.   I spent many hours listening and singing to this album and still sing along with every word to every song today.

Listening now, all these years later, I think back on what a sophisticated young teen I must have been to appreciate such lyrics.
I suppose the fine musicianship and musical arrangements contributed to my appreciation.  I don't really know or understand why I connected to this album and the songs back then, but what I know and understand now is that this is good music that stands the test of time.

Every track is a wonderful piece of song/music writing and great instrumentation. 
Carole King is a prolific songwriter with a couple of songs on 'Tapestry'  hits for others...

You've Got A Friend' is most recognized as a song of James Taylor, a longtime collaborator of Carole King, but it was Carole King who wrote the song.
'Will You (Still) Love Me Tomorrow', co-written with Gerry Goffin, has been covered by many, many others, most notably The Shirelles.
'You Make Me Feel (Like A Natural Woman)' also co-written with Gerry Goffin  for Aretha Franklin.

It is difficult to choose, but,
for me personally, a stand out song on the album for me personally is 'Beautiful'...

"You've got to get up every morning
With a smile in your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes you will
That you're beautiful as you feel

Waiting at the station with a workday wind a-blowing
I've got nothing to do but watch the passers-by
Mirrored in their faces I see frustration growing
And they don't see it showing, why do I?

You've got to get up every morning
With a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes you will
That you're beautiful as you feel

I have often asked myself the reason for sadness
In a world where tears are just a lullaby
If there's any answer, maybe love can end the madness
Maybe not, oh, but we can only try

You've got to get up every morning
With a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes you will
That you're beautiful as you feel"

Who Will Be There To Save Me

photo by donna ~ Horseshoe Falls, Niagara River, Ontario, Canada August 2012

Walls close in all around
with the daily dripping drivel of
nonsensical voices and empty people

Trapped in a place I cannot believe in
shadows of darkness
undulate like cresting flood waters
lapping at the banks of a faraway shore

Through the din of the trivial,
heartfelt cries for help and comfort
from cherished friends and family beloved
echo ceaselessly through to reach me

I am the strong one it has long been said
a tower of strength in the cold wind
a beacon of light in the night
a rock to seek out during the storm

To live each day with love and an open mind
To step from the shadows confidently shining a positive light
Is to cast out sorrow and fear from the hearts of loved ones dear

The desire to comfort
and want to rush to aid
is embedded deep within me
it is part of who I am,
Is it who I am destined to be?

Who will be there to save me
when darkness falls
when my foundation crumbles
when my last defenses begin to crack
the moment when fear launches its attack

Who will be there to save me?

Like the exotic yet familiar
taste of sea salt on my lips
carried on the ocean breeze
Through the din and the shadows
drifts the sweet melodious music of notes
softly bent by strong fingers upon strings and wood

The desire for comfort
is embedded deep within me
it is part of who I am
Music heals me, comforts me
Music strengthens me
It is Music
who is there to save me