Every so often when I feel frightened, and that 10-letter word repeats itself in my mind, I suddenly remember this song by Bob Dylan, particularly the lyrics below, and I know that I'm not alone and not all that far from the light that is always there, always has been, and always will be, no matter what happens.
... It frightens me
the awful truth
of how sweet life can be ...
Not everything is up to me, but some of it is. It's a daily practice, discerning what is and what isn't.
I know that not everyone has this fear. If Bob Dylan hadn't mentioned it in this song, it might have taken me a lot longer to figure out just what it is that frightens me sometimes. It's not a fear that makes much sense but it is real. Being able to name it takes away much of its power.
It's one of the Four Noble Truths. How sweet life can be.
When I look out the window in the late afternoon and know by the light that there is a rainbow somewhere:
And then I turn and see a rainbow:
Or when I look out before dawn and see:
Followed by:
And then this:
How long can I stay drunk on fear out in the wilderness?
(Bob Dylan lyrics from "When He Returns"-- 1979)
YouTube comment on the above video:
Max Autonomy3 months ago I'm an atheist, but I still love the emotional genuineness of this powerful song.
Well a childish dream is a deathless need
And a noble truth is a sacred dream
(Bob Dylan lyrics from "Tweddle-Dee &Tweedle-Dum -- 2001)
