Thought for the day - April 16, 2000

Subject: Thought for the day - April 16, 2000
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Apr 00 - 11:59 PM

I have been a huge fan of Holly Near since discovering her tapes in a womons' bookstore in Northampton, Massachusetts in 1984. I wrote to her and received permission to share the following with you. There is much more of good intent and content at her site, I would urge you to visit it, please, at www.hollynear.com. I believe some of you would be especially interested in her Art & Activism Page. Here ya go:

A PERFORMER'S PRAYER
By Holly Near

WHY AM I UP HERE
IN FRONT OF ALL THESE PEOPLE?
IT IS A WILD NOTION
TO PERFORM IN FRONT OF PEOPLE

AH YES, I REMEMBER
I AM NOT HERE FOR ME
I AM NOT HERE TO PROMOTE MY EGO
I AM HERE TO SERVE THE GREAT SPIRIT
TO BE A VOICE FOR THOSE AFRAID TO SPEAK
TO BE MOVEMENT FOR THOSE WHO ARE STUCK
I AM HERE TO REVEAL A MYSTERY
TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW ABOUT MYSELF

I GIVE MY TALENT TO THE WIND
I GIVE MY WEAKNESS TO THE ROCKS
I GIVE MY FEAR TO THE STARS
I GIVE MY CONFIDENCE TO THE MOON
I GIVE IT ALL AWAY

SO IF I AM GREAT, IT IS NOT MY GREATNESS
IT IS THE WIND THAT WILL CELEBRATE
AND IF I AM NOT GREAT, IT IS NOT MY FAILURE
IT IS UP TO THE ROCK TO CARRY THE PAIN AND DISAPPOINTMENT

I AM A CHANNEL HERE TO DO THE WORK
TO MAKE THE DISCOVERIES
TO SHOUT THE JOY
TO CALL MY MISTAKES "TEACHER"

I AM HERE TO GIVE IT AWAY
TO THE PEOPLE WHO COME TO WATCH AND LISTEN AND FEEL
SO THAT WE WILL REMEMBER MORE THAN THE TIME OF DAY

WHY AM I UP HERE
IN FRONT OF ALL THESE PEOPLE?
SO THAT THE GREAT SPIRIT MAY PAINT A PICTURE ON MY FACE

© 1997 BY HEREFORD MUSIC
Printed here by permission of Holly Near 4/16/00

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - April 16, 2000
From: Kelida
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 12:16 AM

That is undeniably one of the most beautiful things I've ever read, kat. Simply wonderful. Definitely something for every musician, artist, performer, or writer of any kind to think about.

I like the idea that one shouldn't create for themselves or for anyone else, but only to glorify something greater and bigger and more wonderful. Also the idea that people should do this with abandon. This poem is almost wanton sounding.

I love it!

Peace--Bridget

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - April 16, 2000
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 05:01 AM

Thanks, Kat. Good to remember. You can tell when you're watching a performer who knows this. I never have seen Holly in concert, but Steve Goodman comes to mind as one who was in it for more than himself, and believe me, I remembered more than the time of day on those nights.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - April 16, 2000
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 08:33 AM

Kat, that is a very powerful performer's prayer.
And I bet it would be wise for many to read before heading out on stage.
It also maybe a good thing to hand out to the audience as they are being seated.

Little Neo

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - April 16, 2000
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Apr 00 - 10:38 AM

Oh, I agree, LilNeo,that's a good idea!

Yes, Mark, you can tell when a performer feels this way; it's wonderful when that clicks.

Keli, thanks, that pretty much sums uphow i felt when I first read it, too. (You might want to check the use of "wanton" though. Not quite sure that is what you meant:-)

I am hoping that Holly may happen in here. I sent her a thank you with a link to this thread.

Thanks,

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - April 16, 2000
From: Kelida
Date: 17 Apr 00 - 12:17 PM

kat--I think that was what I meant at the time, but I don't like that now. I guess that's what I get for the weird hours I keep.

Peace--Keli