Walking each other home

I heard Ram Dass’s quote some years ago. “We’re all just walking each other home.” It struck me then with a resonant chord, and suddenly, in the face of a conversation with my dear friend Charlie Knower and seeing Sarah Day at American Players Theater doing an amazing piece from Joan Didion’s “The Year of Magical Thinking” the songs erupted, with the second one being more for Cerisa and Calli. Just for the record, neither of them are getting married, and my health is good.

Song #1. Walking Each Other Home.

Song #2. Walking Each Other Home

I may get puffed up with pride.

Choose a slice of the great divide

But in the end we’re side by side.

Walking each other home

Check the mail or pass a flask

Shout out hymns and check off tasks

When you look behind the mask

We’re walking each other home.

Whatever story you may tell

To the world or to yourself

Right through heaven or through hell

We’re walking each other home.

Since the world was very old

Many years before

We take to the open road

Always looking for the open door.

Pierce the veil of loneliness

With a slap or a kiss

It always comes down to this

We’re walking each other home.

You can fly or you can drive

Speed of sound or fifty five

But every moment we’re alive

We’re walking each other home

A word that’s soft and a touch that’s kind

An open heart and a patient mind

No one will be left behind

We’re walking each other home.

I got you from preschool at quarter to four

Just a few blocks from there to our door

When you are three there’s so much to explore

So much the sidewalk can show.

Pebbles, daffodils, windows and wood.

Robins that sang where the apple tree stood

But as we got closer in our neighborhood.

I saw you were moving slow.

I said Just hold my hand, you’re my little star

Just hold my hand, it isn’t too far.

I will be with you wherever you are.

We’re walking each other home.

With me in a tux and you in white lace

Shining like diamonds and showered in grace

One little tear dripped down my face

And mixed with the happiest smile.

The organ swelled and the crowd turned to see

You reached for me just like when you were three

You took my arm and I said quietly

As we started down the aisle.

Just hold my hand, you’re my shining star

Just hold my hand, it isn’t too far.

I will be with you wherever you are.

We’re walking each other home

A few years later you come down the block

You brought Isabelle back back from playing.

She was grumpy and tired and kicking a rock

I knew what you were saying.

The lights are blinking yellow and red

The pillow is comfortable under my head

You come to visit and sit by my bed

And drink some peppermint tea

I seem to sleep more everyday

The colors are fading to echoes of grey

As you are leaving, I always say

As you lean in to me.

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