by Carol Bjorlie — “The Poet Behind the Cello”
Swing a friend’s hand and sing this Burt Bacharach and Hal David tune!
“What the world needs now is
love, sweet love,
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of
What the world needs now is
love sweet love,
No, not just for some but for everyone!”
When we sing together, we are one voice. Everyone needs love, even people with curly hair, dreads, or black bowls of hair.
I’m going to use the “P” word. Here’s a quote from Evelyn Underhill,
In public life and Politics, govern for eternity. That takes courage.When we share meals, sing, get together for a hike or canoe ride, we are one. We may not be the same, but we are one.
I lived in Minnesota for 14 years. It was like living at the UN. At our church there were folks from South Africa, Norway, Asia, Uganda, China and Poland. We were a rainbow. The languages were music. I taught a writing class for muslim women. We wrote about our mothers. What’s more universal than mothers? One woman said, “I made poem.” She beamed. “I made mother poem.” There were smiles all around. Love was a light in the room.
We need love in North Carolina. We need to love our college students and make it possible for them to learn here. You know I’m talking about HB2. Isn’t everybody? Everybody should. “It takes courage.” This state needs to govern for eternity. Heck, I’ll share a bathroom with E. T. if he/she shows up. Who knows who will appear? Maybe an opera singer, farm hand, sculptor, writer, priest, lawyer or doctor. We need these people whether they are Hispanic, African, Norwegian, straight and narrow, or gay and filled with the world.
Poetry is a language that connects us.
When Sherman Alexie cancelled his reading in North Carolina, the New York Timescarried a letter written by Malaprops Bookstore general manger titled, “Why Should My Store Be Boycotted Over a Law I Despise?” The Assistant manger continued, “Bookstores are a place where difficult conversations happen, and it’s an imperative space to keep open in times like these. We want people to come here and start a discussion.”
Authors, you are empowered.
The loss of multiple performances, author’s readings, and loss of licensing for musicals affect this state and our town. Who has said “no” to NC? Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Cirque du Soleil, Pearl Jam, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovalo. Who’s next?
The Citizen Timesnotes: “The Justice Department and North Carolina filed dueling lawsuits over the new state law (HB2)” — Dueling lawsuits? Do $$$ appear in your head?
Education Secretary, John B. King states, “We must ensure that our young people know that whoever they are or wherever they come from, they have the opportunity to get a great education in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and violence.”
Writers, dreamers, doctors, lawyers, folks with labels, Norwegians, Ugandans, Swedes, Americans, readers, tell your truth. Let us learn from history. Let us get it right this time.
What the world needs now is love.
Not just for some, but for everyone – including you!
Shalom, Carol Pearce Bjorlie