Day 3 - 316 -- Somberness

It has been a somber day. Remembrance Day brings feelings of gratitude and loss. Knowing that family members and friends served and are serving to keep the peace and fight for shared values brings pride and tears. Their roads have not been smooth. Selfless service brings with it a few hiccups and some very deep abysses. When Rabbi Reuven Bulka (Honourary Chaplain of the Dominion Command of the Royal Canadian Legion) spoke at the National War Memorial today, he noted that many who serve carry our moral norms into amoral situations -- something that can have lasting health impacts -- physical and psychological -- that systems need to be prepared to address.

On another somber note, Leonard Cohen, poet extraordinaire was buried in Montreal yesterday. He was from the Westmount neighbourhood. His poetry and prose spoke to the soul. Early in his writing career, he chose to take his poetry to the people in the form of music. His voice was readily recognized and his semi-spoken word  delivery easily identifiable. His last studio album was released last month, entitled "You want it darker." Many of his songs were covered by other singers, the lyrics familiar to many from several generations.

With a huge number of songs to his credit, choosing something to share here today has been challenging. I finally got it down to two selections. The first is a recitation by that amazing bass voice  that fits well with Remembrance Day. The second is one of the many songs covered by other artists. This one is by a voice that suits the lyrics perfectly.  But there are others that we could listen to -- Suzanne, So long Marianne, Hallelujah, . . . and so many, many more. And remember he left us with a new album just a few weeks ago.  Enjoy!

In Flanders Field -- words by John McCrae; recorded by Leaondard Cohen

Bird on a Wire -- Aaron Neville ft. The Neville Brothers