Thursday, July 5, 2007

The circle game


Yesterday a child came out to wonder
Caught a dragonfly inside a jar
Fearful when the sky was full of thunder
And tearful at the falling of a star
Then the child moved ten times round the seasons
Skated over ten clear frozen streams
Words like, when you're older, must appease him
And promises of someday make his dreams
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look behind
From where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game.

Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone now
Cartwheels turn to car wheels thru the town
And they tell him,
Take your time, it won't be long now
Till you drag your feet to slow the circles down
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look behind
From where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game.

So the years spin by and now the boy is twenty
Though his dreams have lost some grandeur coming true
There'll be new dreams, maybe better dreams and plenty
Before the last revolving year is through
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return, we can only look behind
From where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game.

Joni Mitchell

I've always found this song by Joni Mitchell sad yet filled with promise. It's true that when we're young, everything is a wonder. I can remember clearly that the days of summer seemed to be the happiest because I could play with my friends or by myself and be happy either way. Everything was new and exciting.

Just as the lyrics say, it wasn't long before I saw that time was fleeting and life was changing to focus on responsibilities. But now I'm seeing that I don't have to get lost in drudgery. I can still dream, and those dreams are just as good and maybe better than those that I had when younger. I think that there will be lots to enjoy in life before that last revolving year is through.

10 comments:

  1. Hello there, Syd! Reading the lyrics you just posted brought tears - of childhood memories, dreams - and greif at having wasted much precious time. Now that I am in the autumn of my life, I have come to accept that all those dreams - as well as the grief - have added up to make me aware that I have led a very busy and exciting life, thanks to the 12-steps of Al-Anon and a strong sponsor. There was a time when I dreaded the 'chaos' - - - but it has come full circle, and love life today - just as each new day unfolds - - - thus the 'gift' is called the present - One Day at a Time. Thanks for the memories and the beautiful post. Love ya, Anonymous #1

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  2. Syd,
    Even though we have to leave childhood behind, we can still be a kid sometimes, have fun, be care-free and live our dreams. We can't stop dreaming, we face our responsibilities, pay our bills, but remember what it is to have fun. Grab every opportunity...time stands still for nobody.

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  3. I love Joni Mitchell. Thanks for posting that sad song.

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  4. Dragon flies, thats twice its mentioned is one week. Beautiful creatures!! I find that I have grown up in recovery, I behave more responsibly these days HOWEVER i still have, or is it that ? I have found I now have the mischeviousness, and energy and enthusiasm of a child and the wisdom of my own experience & AA's principles to keep me in line. Childlike not childish. Havent heard the song before, I will check it out.

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  5. I have sooo been thinking about how life was a little simplier when I was younger, and feeling envious of my kids being off for the summer... LOL i just wanna go play in the sun too


    happy Friday Syd thanks for sharing this

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  6. Oh Syd, you have such a way with words and pictures! I really neede to be reminded that I don't have to give up on my dreams and innocence just because I'm all growed up now!!!

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  7. I love the fine line between my dreams and my reality. I hope it always stays blurry....thank you for the memories, I love Joni and that song.

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  8. Yes as children everything was new and living in the NOW seemed so easy to do. What the heck happens and when does it happen? The good thing is that we can go back to such a place if we choose to yes?

    Hope you are having a child-like fun weekend!

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  9. ". I can still dream, and those dreams are just as good and maybe better than those that I had when younger."

    I love that you said MAYBE EVEN BETTER..

    Yes.. you can Syd.

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Let me know what you think. I like reading what you have to say.