This afternoon seems more chill than 35 degrees F.  The sky is an oppressive grey, a bowl of achromatic glass, horizon to horizon.  I cannot delay writing some words until I happen to be inspired.  Why delay?  Tomorrow is not foreseen, and is as likely to be gray as of sunlight.

A tune performed by Michael Bolton caused me to pause.  Fate is another way of expressing the rule of cause and effect over our lives.  The past is imperfectly known.  I am aware of only the smallest fragments of the way of life experienced by my parents.  Even less is known about my grandparents time.  Back further than that I have nothing.  Nevertheless all that has transpired matters.

The past has conspired to shape my sense of self, and even the manner of sensation which the surface of the keyboard has on my fingertips.  Nothing in the present escapes the past.

However as the lyric of the song suggests, the not-yet future is synthesized by the imagination.  Moments of imagination are inevitable, of “seeing” oneself with accomplishments that earn public accolades, a reputation larger than life.  This is natural, even psychologically healthy.  The lyricist suggests however, the hero’s award is most often that of a durable relationship with those closest to him or her; whether the acknowledgment of victory is received from a spouse, from family members, or from a circle of intimate friends.

It’s a matter of not losing hope, of going the distance, to look beyond the glory.  Surely it comes down to strength of heart.  Hero’s come in many varieties.

Go The Distance

By Michael Bolton

I have often dreamed, of a far off place
Where a hero’s welcome, would be waiting for me
Where the crowds will cheer, when they see my face
And a voice keeps saying, “This is where I’m meant to be”

I’ll be there someday, I can go the distance
I will find my way, if I can be strong
I know every mile, will be worth my while
When I go the distance, I’ll be right where I belong

Down an unknown road, to embrace my fate
Though that road may wander, it will lead me to you
And a thousand years, would be worth the wait
It might take a lifetime, but somehow I’ll see it through

And I won’t look back, I can go the distance
And I’ll stay on track, no, I won’t accept defeat
It’s an uphill slope, but I won’t lose hope
Till I go the distance, and my journey is complete

But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero’s strength is measured by his heart

Like a shooting star, I will go the distance
I will search the world, I will face its harms
I don’t care how far, I can go the distance
Till I find my hero’s welcome, waiting in your arms

I will search the world, I will face its harms
Till I find my hero’s welcome, waiting in your arms

Composed by Alan Menken, David Joel Zippel