Last week in Melbourne I was very aware of how being on holiday sets one apart from other people. While I was free from the constraints and rhythms of my normal life, others were going about the everyday business of living; shopping, learning, going to work, attending appointments.
On the trams and in the market, I found myself wondering about the lives of my unknown, transitory companions. Are they in work they love? Is there constant anxiety about paying the bills? A sick child? A relationship that exhausts rather than nurtures?
It made me think of Thoreau’s line …
“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them.” — Henry David Thoreau
Which made me think about the artists I know, and how the need to release “their song” is such an imperative. It also got me thinking about public art and how much it enriches us; artists, listeners and viewers, and indeed communities.
“Just want to know ya. Just want to talk to ya. I want to hear about your day.”
The opening lines of Bic Runga‘s song Something Good seem particularly appropriate to this post, which has been written for Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge at Lens and Pens by Sally.
Let us hope that Henry David Thoreau is wrong. Lovely photos Su.
Leslie
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I think it’s up to each of us to find our song and sing it. ๐
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Good point, Su.
Leslie
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Yes. I left my run rather late – but at least the song is out there…
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But definitely not too late!!! ๐
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And it’s lovely to hear. ๐
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Thank you
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I like the way that you wove your observations, leading to art as part of the human condition. Your images and words flowed into the song. Happy Photo Challenge.
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Thank you Sally ๐
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Oh dear, I sometimes feel that quiet desperation! Though I don’t know that I have a song to release on the world. ๐
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I’m feeling it quite strongly at the moment. I’m hoping “my song” isn’t a literal thing — unleashing my singing voice on the world is a cruelty too far ๐
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Ha! Ditto here. But maybe there is something to be said for taking a leaf out of Florence’s song book https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rRVCNffvKk
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Yes!!!! Have you seen it yet?
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No, I haven’t. Just heard from friends who have seen it.And read reviews.
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Su, I’ve thought the same while being on vacation/holiday. But I also try to take small moments in a “normal” day, whether at work or at home, shopping, or whatever else, just to observe, to think of the possible stories as you mention, to enjoy the little things that make life worth living. Sometimes they’re overshadowed by the bad, even evil things, but underneath it all, they’re still there, waiting patiently for us to feel them again and to be grateful, even happy.
janet
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Thanks Janet. As I’ve got older I’ve definitely come to appreciate the small moments more. Even making the first coffee of the day is a moment I savour and enjoy.
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Nice street shots and street art.
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Thanks ๐
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Hear hear,dear Su!Superb street photography and nice thoughts!You did find your song and sang it … .Happy Monday,dear friend ๐ xxx
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Thank you so much Doda. xx ๐
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๐ xxx
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