Monday, the weather has turned, the ice melts, the brown earth appears.  There is hope.  Life returns.  Living in the Midwest, one learns to take winter seriously.  Severe, single digit cold is an effective teacher.  Therefore, in the Midwest we celebrate the first hint of spring.  Over the weekend I completed planting preparation for seeds that will sprout into cucumbers and peppers.

Harden My Heart  is a severe love song, unlike the sappy, sentimental ones we all love.  Those are like that “hit” of cotton candy one always craves at county fair time.  Harden My Heart by Quarterflash makes the point that self respect and mindfulness is the launch point for love that endures.  What is love?  Love is what happens between us.  If what happens in the atmosphere between is painful, we must discover the reason.  If the “why” is too obscure to be discovered, or if one alone is committed to exploration, — only one action remains to be taken.

Darlin’, in my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d go
But it’s time to let you know…

Harden My Heart

By Quarterflash

Cryin’ on the corner, waitin’ in the rain
I swear I’ll never, ever wait again
You gave me your word, but words for you are lies

Darlin’, in my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d go
But it’s time to let you know

I’m gonna harden my heart
I’m gonna swallow my tears
I’m gonna turn and leave you here

All of my life, I’ve been waitin’ in the rain
I’ve been waitin’ for a feeling that never, ever came
It feels so close but always disappears

Darlin’, in your wildest dreams, you never had a clue
But it’s time you got the news

I’m gonna harden my heart
I’m gonna swallow my tears
I’m gonna turn and leave you here

Darlin’, in my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d go
But it’s time to let you know

I’m gonna harden my heart
I’m gonna swallow my tears
I’m gonna turn and leave you here

I’m a-gonna harden my heart
I’m gonna swallow my tears
I’m a-gonna harden my heart
I’m gonna swallow my tears
Harden my heart
I’m gonna swallow my tears
No, oh, oh, oh
Harden my heart
I’m gonna harden my heart
I’m gonna swallow my tears
I’m a-gonna harden my heart

And the backstory of the tune is:

“Harden My Heart” is a song by rock group Quarterflash, written by their guitarist Marv Ross. It is a million-selling Gold-certified single and was featured on the band’s Platinum-selling Quarterflash album, released in 1981.  — wikipedia