I decided to repost this poem that I originally posted on Tuesday, July 7, 2009, and I just added to it. Something has been on my mind. I felt left out nearly my entire life, but now, I know what has been missing. I'm fine with myself. Don't need the things that I thought I did. Not for my soul.


Unfit for proper society,
a homebody,
but relaxed.
Not much choice.
Sigh.
Better this way,
to not lose the soul.
Spiritual peace,
worth more than gold.


The Pearl Jam song, "Daughter," seems an appropriate accompaniment to this poem. People cannot choose their earthly families, but we can choose our spiritual families. I need my spiritual family that does include many in my earthly family, so please, comment or email me if you are not sure what I mean. I am figuratively (can I literally?) attempting to 'disown' the evil in the world of which I do not wish to akin myself. My opinion: God separates us from the evil if we choose Him.

Eddie Vedder sings "It's okay, you don't have to run and hide away." Reader, or listener interpretation for myself, I do not plan to hide. However, I realize I am among those who reject certain, overwhelmingly powerful ways of the world. Sometimes I feel like hiding, but I either trudge through it, or I wait calmly for the moment to pass.

Also, I still have love for all people if not their ways. I still believe that all people are worthy to receive love if they choose it. All people can share the goodness of the world if they choose it. But it has to be a choice, not forced, or it is not real.

Given To Fly, Lyrics by Eddie Vedder

*On my way to see a dear friend yesterday, I got out my Pearl Jam cd, Yield, popped it in. I had honestly not listened to it in about a year. This was always one of my faves. Here is a passage from Tom Moon's article about his interview with Pearl Jam, "Calling Off the Crusades," Philadelphia Inquirer, February 8, 1998.

Then there's "Given to Fly," a soaring, U2-esque anthem about a human blessed with the ability to fly. The man returns to Earth to share "the key to the locks on the chains he saw everywhere," but is greeted with violence. He continues to try to give away what he's learned.

Vedder imagined the song as a children's book, "a 20-page cardboard book with a line on each page and a picture to go with it. It's a fable, that's all. The music almost gives you this feeling of flight, and I really love singing the part at the end, which is about rising above anybody's comments about what you do and still giving your love away. You know -- not becoming bitter and reclusive, not condemning the whole world because of the actions of a few."

Which is, of course, exactly the kind of strategy Pearl Jam is employing this time around. Rather than fighting futile battles and standing on principle until the point is lost, it has chosen to yield, to move forward and offer something of value to what's left of its audience. It still wants to make a difference, but no longer needs to shout sanctimoniously from the rooftops. Its methods are more subtle, more humble. More grown-up.

Given To Fly, Eddie Vedder (lyrics)

He could have tuned in, tuned in
but he tuned out
A bad time, nothing could save him
Alone in a corridor, waiting, locked out
He got up outta there, ran for hundreds of miles
He made it to the ocean, had a smoke in a tree
The wind rose up, set him down on his knee

A wave came crashing like a fist to the jaw
Delivered him wings, 'Hey, look at me now'
Arms wide open with the sea as his floor
Oh, power, oh
He's... flying... whole

He floated back down 'cause he wanted to share
The key to the locks on the chains he saw everywhere
But first he was stripped and then he was stabbed
By faceless men, well, fuckers
He still stands

And he still gives his love, he just gives it away
The love he receives is the love that is saved
And sometimes is seen a strange spot in the sky
A human being that was given to fly

High... flying
Oh, oh

High... flying
Oh, oh

He's flying
Oh, oh