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You know the nearer your destination, the more you slip sliding away.” — Paul Simon
“We’d like to know a little about you for our files.”
I can’t focus. Thoughts are disjointed when I need them to come together.
“We’d like to help you learn to help yourself.”
I’ve been up since 5 AM, running on four hours of sleep. I should be further down the metaphoric road, closing in on my destination.
“Here’s to you Mrs. Robinson, Jesus loves you more than you will know.”
Of course he does. But listen up. I’m stalled. Fighting a bad case of “stuck-itis.” Unfortunately, those thoughts left simmering on the stove a week ago have gone to mush.
“Look around you, all you see are sympathetic eyes.”
Normally, it’s easier to think than do. You know us contemplative types: we like to wonder, dream and ponder life. Or projects. Or whatever.
“Coo coo ca-choo, Mrs. Robinson…”
Instead thoughts are circling. They won’t park. I write a little. To no end. That’s not like me.
“Wo, wo, wo.”
And with my “capstone” project due for class — one I’d like to deliver in ten days or so — I need my old self back, the one who doesn’t struggle in pulling together loose threads of thoughts and sewing them up in a tidy bow.
“Stroll around the grounds until you feel at home.”
I guess I’ll eat bon bons until I pull myself together. And whine and pray — I’m pretty sure this counts. Hey Abba — what’s up?
“Heaven holds a place for those who pray.”
I’m giving Simon the slip. No more Mrs. Robinson. In need of a major distraction. Going straight to ABBA.
an everyday life 
You need to give yourself time.
It’s funny but the song is one that was the soundtrack to a dream that has haunted me for 30years. I dreamed I was like a small child walking while holding the hand of a much bigger person whose face I could not see. Every now and then I insisted I coud walk on my own now, let go and immediately found I was on a moving pavement that bore me further away from my destination(this was the point slip sliding away began to really sing, going then into the chorus). Eventually the bigger person set me on my feet again and held my hand as we walked and walked, and while I held that hand, I moved forward safely and efficiently.
Strange how the song and the dream combined and still inspire me so many years later.
hugs and prayers for you.
xx
Viv
Oh, Viv.
Of course you’re right about time and its power to heal — the world will never be as full as it was when both of my parents were alive and well. Why I should think I could just move back into my own everyday life seamlessly, I’ll never know.
My parents were both larger than life. And now that they aren’t here, well, the world — or at least my own world — holds a little less light. I feel like I’m connected to a dimmer switch — which of course, helps explain my inability to think.
The power of song to express our emotions so succinctly and to connect us — one to another — is simply amazing. Especially at times like this — it’s almost other worldly.
Thanks always.
Janell
I turn back to Abba all the time. Here’s my personal favorite.
Linda,
I listened to your song and it stayed with me all day. Even now, I can hear it.
Janell
Bon Bons and ABBA will help for sure.