Part 2 - Strange Overtones

(Originally written January 19, 2009)

Part 2 - Strange Overtones
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"Your soul is the priestess of memory, selecting, sifting, and ultimately gathering your vanishing days toward presence."
— John O'Donohue (Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom) 

The Master called the students to Afternoon Meditation. Tashiki, a Monk Student, and Qindao, a Warrior Student, took their usual place in the grove near each other and began.

After some time, Qindao asked Tashiki, “You see that man over there?” He indicated a new student with a nod of his head.

Tashiki acknowledged that he did know the new student.

Qindao asked again, “Is he not the man who attacked our caravan?”

Tashiki acknowledged that he was that man.

Qindao could barely control his anger. “What is he doing here? How could The Master allow him on our grounds? This is an insult to our school! You, Tashiki, I saw you fight against him to protect our caravan. How can you let him sit there among us?”

Tashiki smiled. “As for The Master, that is easy. The Master has blessed and sanctified these grounds and made it clear that all who cross into the school are welcome and protected. Even the bandits from town know that. You, Qindao, I must ask if you are angry at him now because you were not there to fight him then?”

Qindao looked puzzled.

“Qindao, my friend, why are you fighting the past?”

Tashiki closed his eyes and returned to his meditation. Qindao, several minutes later, did the same.

*****

Thus endeth today's lesson. Let us meditate up on it.

Song Words by Artist / Band : David Byrne and Brian Eno
Lyrics Title : Strange Overtones
Available on Album : Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
Single Released : August 4, 2008 

I wake up every morning
I hear your feet on the stairs
You’re in the next apartment
I hear you singing over there

This groove is out of fashion
These beats are 20 years old
I saw you lend a hand to
The ones out standing in the cold

Strange Overtones in the music you are playing
I’ll harmonize
It is strong and you are tough
But a heart is not enough

Put on your socks and mittens
It’s getting colder tonight
A snowball in my kitchen
I watched it melt before my eyes

Your song still needs a chorus
I know you’ll figure it out
The rising of the verses
A change of key will let you out

Strange overtones though they’re slightly out of fashion
I’ll harmonize
I see the music in your face
That your words cannot explain

Strange Overtones in the music you are playing
We’re not alone
It is strong and you are tough
But a heart is not enough