We Belong: A Gift in Text to J. Prouvaire and all my Friends
JOHN KEATING: To quote from Whitman, "O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?" Answer. That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?
--Tom Schulman, Dead Poets Society
I've always felt there was no group
Of fellows with whom I could fit,
Belong, be safe and free. A loop
Of swift rejections, a deep pit
Of loneliness. I felt discordant,
A misfit, ill timed quarter-tone.
I lived the masters, reveled in them,
But found no place to call my own.
Perhaps you've sensed a disconnection,
As if your heart has missed a beat?
My conflict rose from misdirection:
My teacher said that, to compete
Successfully against the others,
I had to find a voice unique,
Distinct, and better than my brothers';
To shout above theirs-- 't made me weak
And lonesome. It is my opinion,
I can't be strong by beating colleagues.
Creation should enhance us all,
Inspire and strengthen those of all leagues.
If you can train ears of your minds,
Listen sharp! It's always there:
A pulse, a chord, a bass line steady--
The Undersong we all may share.
A place exists--it's here before you---
A staff and clef for all your moods.
Some harmony, some counterpoint,
Some scat, some solos, interludes--
So take your seat--it's comfy!--settle.
Sing melody or backup vocals;
Stand up and belt it! Test your mettle.
If score's too small, just use bifocals.
Yes! Find YOUR voice--but not for fighting!
For vict'ry, beat your urge to kill.
To strike your brethren 's useless smiting.
As one, resolve your qualms. Fulfill
A larger purpose! The Creator
Wrote a cadence just for you.
Love, life is an ensemble piece.
Unite, join hands! find glories new.
Thank you. This is for you, my friends.
Joan Keating
