Reminders are everywhere

We saw the Randy Newman show "Harps and Angels" last night -- an ensemble performance of his marvelous words and music. The graphics, skits associated with the music, and the band were excellent and very entertaining.


The band played in the back above the stage and wasn't visible throughout most of the show. That reminded me of the time Paul was in a band that accompanied the circus portion of the Texas State Fair in Dallas, Texas. His band was way above the stage and out of sight of the audience throughout the circus acts.


It's interesting where the reminders come from and how they hit me square in the gut when they appear - like when I was at a shopping mall and heard a some music Paul liked as a child.

Cat Stevens Then and Now

As I walked up the stairs I heard Cat Stevens singing

the familiar words of his song, “Morning has Broken,”

and there I was back in 1973

in our old gray Chrysler station wagon

with the wood trim and fake red leather seats

and Paul was sitting in the back

belting out the words with him. He was only two then

still clutching his green stuffed turtle for dear life

as we drove along.

His fat cheeks were rosy red, his blonde hair

cut like an upside down cereal bowl around his face.

Then I return to this day and my table at the

westside mall where the lunch crowd

is beginning to gather 

not knowing or caring how I grieve

for the chubby little boy sitting in his car seat

when so little made him happy.