And is it called infinity
The stuff that makes up you and me
Indefinite we roll along
and merrily
And do we seeing, ever really see
Objects: birds, a heart, a tree
Where roost they, what branch
Easier to fly away, to flee
Suppose I give you a copy, a key
And with it words of longing, a plea
To fit, to turn, to creak
Having the open door doesn’t make you free
Being or is it not to be
The door’s not so clamped shut upon infinity
It’s right there, reach out your hand
Stand with me and push into eternity
Welcome to The ALIVE hour.
Illustration: Shannon Colon
Audio: Chloe Riley. Music: carefulGIANTS + Chloe Riley
Things found in real life
This lone “can” mitten waving hello
More of your letters.
(Haven’t received yours yet? Don’t you worry: it’s coming.)
Things found on the internet
This piece on music and what it means to listen after living through (and continuing to live through) a pandemic:
“…perhaps it was a delayed reaction to the psychic tumult of 2020 — my wounded spirit forcing me to account more quietly for what we’d collectively endured (and are still enduring).”
This tribute to Stephen Sondheim — composer, writer, seer of human beings who passed away on November 26 at the age of 91:
“Uncertainty, self-delusion, disillusionment: Sondheim knew that they could be as deeply felt as the primary-color emotions. His characters sang to think and to feel at the same time.”
Take a few minutes and listen to “Being Alive” with the volume up. It’s a really nice start to the day.
And thank you for listening. Thank you for being present with me. Have a great weekend.
Chloe
The ALIVE hour