Last Sunday night, as I was going to bed and last week’s post – “City Nights” – was about to auto-publish, my city had one of the worst nights in its history.
On Monday morning, my wife shook my arm and told me what had happened. Restaurants. Public squares. The coffee shop where I’d written last week’s post. I wondered if I was still asleep.
On Monday afternoon, I felt compelled to walk down to the strip of street that had been closed off. I didn’t want to gawk at the after-effects of tragedy. It was more that I just wanted to make sure that the street was still there. Like when you leave the house and suddenly, with a touch of worry, pat your pocket to make sure you haven’t forgotten your phone or your keys or whatever.
On Tuesday afternoon, I rode my bike up a sidewalk that had been covered with chalk messages of love, hope and support. My baby daughter bounced along happily in the bike seat. I thought about how much I want a good world for her and her brother.
On Wednesday evening, we went to a neighbourhood vigil. People gathered near a church and then, without anyone really seeming to decide it, we began walking east- the opposite direction of the path the shooter had taken.
By the time we reached the park where a makeshift memorial had been set up, it was impossible to see how far back the crowd stretched. People spoke. People sang. A police officer led a small group singing “Amazing Grace.”
Last week’s post, “City Nights,” was about getting out and enjoying your neighbourhood.
I love my neighbourhood.
What makes this a beautiful song:
1. There’s an unexpected key change between the verse and the chorus. It catches you off guard. Gently, but insistently, wakes you up.
2. The backup vocals, beginning at 2.12, suggest a chorus of people walking with one purpose.
3. The original, by The Five Stairsteps, was released in 1970, as the civil rights movement pushed into an uncertain decade. A generation later, it featured in a key scene from the film, “Boyz n the Hood.” A generation further on, and this 2018 version by musician/activist Milck proves that the song’s message of love and perseverance does not age.
Recommended listening activity:
Anything, as long as it’s with someone you love.