Lock-keeper

The Eramosa River last week


For two weeks I've had an inexorable earworm, "Lock-keeper" by late Canadian folk singer Stan Rogers. Days passed before I realized it shared something—a melodic line, chord progression, I can't quite define it, perhaps only a feeling—with "I have loved," (RAM file) the last movement of When We No Longer Touch. They both reveal a sense of choices made, opportunities forgone, and the inexpressible pull of a romantic bond.

Last night's concert by the Rainbow Chorus was the most exciting I've participated in. We gave a fair performance, struggling with several cues, always recovering within a measure, but the requiem was powerful and unusual, with strings, flute and vocal soloists adding richness to the experience.

Having Danny in the audience raised powerful emotions for me. When We No Longer Touch is about AIDS and death, tracing stages of grief to hope. I have never felt such loss, but relate to passages expressing longing and acceptance. These feelings characterize living apart from my lover. I also realize, despite popular mythology, love is not forever. As part of life, it's essentially ephemeral.

Rogers loved travelling and performing, but his song shows he felt the sacrifice involved. Maybe I relate to that, too.


( lyrics )