Sunlight washes the intersection of State and 3rd today in Geneva.  There’s a good vibe inside Starbucks.  The coffee is hot, the flavor bracing, an acquired taste…

Last night I participated in a discussion on “art”, the state-of-art at the end of the 20th century.  At least that is when the essay by Jean Baudrillard, Transaesthetics was published.  Baudrillard, a no-holds-barred writer offers a critique of culture through the lens of art.

The discussion edged toward the abstract, likely the result of our limited exposure to the art world, the community organized to produce and appreciate art.  What is meant by art?  That would be a discussion without any ending, as many books have been published on that topic.  I find it satisfying that what qualifies as art is without a fixed definition.

By chance this tune by the Eagles was played on the radio this morning.  I was reminded of how fond I am of the lyric, and of the feeling-affect prompted by the bassline.  I take the tune as a running commentary, endless thought about an intimate relationship with one’s soul mate.  It is only in the long run, in the backward look, in retrospect can assessment be made of our lives together.

The Long Run

By The Eagles

I used to hurry a lot, I used to worry a lot
I used to stay out till the break of day
Oh, that didn’t get it
It was high time I quit it
I just couldn’t carry on that way

Oh, I did some damage, I know it’s true
Didn’t know I was so lonely, till I found you
You can go the distance
We’ll find out in the long run
(In the long run)
We can handle some resistance
If our love is a strong one (is a strong one)

People talkin’ about us
They got nothin’ else to do
When it all comes down we will
Still come through
In the long run
Ooh, I want to tell you, it’s a long run

You know I don’t understand why you don’t
Treat yourself better
Do the crazy things that you do

‘Cause all the debutantes in Houston, baby
Couldn’t hold a candle to you

Did you do it for love?
Did you do it for money?
Did you do it for spite?
Did you think you had to, honey?

Who is gonna make it?
We’ll find out in the long run
(In the long run)
I know we can take it
If our love is a strong one
(Is a strong one)

Well, we’re scared, but we ain’t shakin’
Kinda bent, but we ain’t breakin’
In the long run
Ooh, I want to tell you, it’s a long run
In the long run
In the long run …

Lyrics by Glenn Frey, Don Henley