Sunday 28 June 2009

On A Rainy Night in LeRoy

I've been loving you a long time
Down all the years, down all the days
And I've cried for all your troubles
Smiled at your funny little ways
We watched our friends grow up together
And we saw them as they fell
Some of them fell into Heaven
Some of them fell into Hell

I took shelter from a shower
And I stepped into your arms
On a rainy night in Soho
The wind was whistling all its charms
I sang you all my sorrows
You told me all your joys
Whatever happened to that old song
To all those little girls and boys

I'm not singing for the future
I'm not dreaming of the past
I'm not talking of the fist time
I never think about the last

On the eve of the last day of school, the last real "school night", I stayed up half the night talking to my childhood best friend. We'd gotten into different groups and interests in high school, but managed to stay close, even if we didn't talk often or spend much time together. We sat in the gazebo next to the creek until about 2 in the morning, talking about high school and the future and our fears and ambitions. We realized how lucky we were to still have each other after all those years and changes in our lives. Some of my peers will struggle to remain extremely close with all their friends; others might never be seen again. I think this Pogues song gives a great outlook on this subject; on leaving friends and cherishing memories without holding onto the past.

People come and go, some go onto better things and some go onto worse. While you're together, enjoy the ups and comfort each other through the downs. Old friends bring part of your past into the present, but know that not every friend will be permenantly held onto. Don't spend too much time dwelling on the past, or planning for the future; instead, take a quick look around, see who is there with you, and be thankful for them. To the class of 09: enjoy your summer before college, and time in college, and after college... Just enjoy it all, and be thankful for any friend that happens to be around.

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