Smoke on the Wind – Guest Author, Chris

A few weeks ago, Ed put out a little note asking if any of his contacts would be interested in doing a guest slot on his blog. Although I love to write (mostly poetry and lyrics), I have never really done anything that bloggy before, so this seemed a good opportunity to try my hand at this type of craft. Since then, I imagine Ed’s world has been turned upside down by the passing of his father, who I had met along with Ed, through Masque Theatre’s summer production of Richard III. I did not know Roger that well at all, but he came across to me as warm, witty, welcoming, and full of life.

News of his death was sobering to say the least. Mortality has been somewhat front and centre in my mind of late. News of the Queen’s death was everywhere. Last week, I participated in the funeral of a chap connected to my church. A couple of weeks ago I got news that a mate of mine who is a mountaineer, was killed by an unexpected rockfall on Mount Blanc. The writer of the biblical book of Ecclesiastes describes the brevity of life as like ‘smoke on the wind.’ That certainly rings true at the moment. A more contemporary reflection on death is found in a Twenty-One Pilots song I like. In their song ‘Heavydirtysoul’ the lyricist Tyler Joseph states: “Death inspires me like a dog inspires a rabbit.” This idea also resonates with me. It is one I find strangely motivating. Death is after me. One day it will catch up. This poem is on that theme.

Live Every Day As If It Was Your Last

Our journey takes us on a one-way track
It's understood where this is headed to
I'm on that train and going that way fast
Same terminus. We all take different routes
There are no brakes. There will be no way back
Though some discuss if there is a way through
Live every day as if it was your last
For soon enough you'll find that shall be true

Hope I was faithful with each given task
Put all the love into them that was due
Hope I can say I worked hard at my craft
Some things I put my heart and soul into
Hope that I nailed my colours to the mast
And found the courage to live from this view
Live every day as if it was your last
For soon enough you'll find that shall be true

It's not a game (although the die is cast)
My days are numbered, be they lots or few
And if my fame and fortune grow like grass
I know it someday disappears like dew
I cannot change one moment of the past
But every sunrise shall bring something new
Live every day as if it was your last
For soon enough, you'll find that shall be true