This morning was one of those that started at 6:00 am with a public service announcement over loud speaker. It is still going on, so I am so very grateful for the invention of iPods and headphones……
I had planned on an early morning going over stories just written for the book, but it was a little tough with all the noise to get into it. I decided to write a story here instead. While I was listening to my music this morning a song came on that has often brought up strong emotions in me. The song is called “Cruel, Crazy Beautiful World” by Johnny Clegg and Savuka from South Africa for those of you who do not know who he is.
I love so many of his songs because they are about the trials of life South Africa, drawing on those that have suffered because of racial predjudice. There is also a great deal of joy in his music which I find typical of some of these countries that have suffered extreme hardship. The music and dance becomes the one source of hope in their lives I think. I have music from all over the world, something I collected when living in Saskatoon. The libraries there were a great source of diversity in the music world. Johnny Clegg was respected by Nelson Mandala while he was in prison for his courage to stand on stage as a white man with an alll black band. Actually it was a time when it was illegal for a white person to been seen with a black. Can you imagine such a concept, that people actually think this way goes beyond my ability to understand. So being on stage as a white person with a black band was something that took great courage. This was a time when many were “disappeared” and killed in brutal ways just for having a different skin colour or for defending their rights. As with Mandala, I have great respect for this man and his music, I admire his great courage and passion for a better world.
His song “Asimbonanga“ which means “We have not seen him” was written for Mandala while he was in prison. https://www.npr.org/2013/12/06/249236653/songwriter-clegg-on-mandela-south-africans-bridge This is a link that can show an interview about the song.
The reason this seems to strike such a chord with me today is because of one of the stories I have been going through which was based on insight while praying (meditating) and the dream that followed a few days later.
Excerpt From “Finding Home”
“……..I consider that if you believe in this idea of our breath being God, then it basically eliminates racism, prejudice and anything else that creates walls between those that are different from each of us. No matter what colour your skin is, where you were born, how you live, or what you believe, we all breathe the same. Our blood is the same colour, so underneath the skin, we are all the same, with only our thoughts and ideas separating us. We create the limitations that build the walls dividing us…….”
The last few days have been a bit difficult as I begin transcribing diary pages from dreams forgotten. Dreams of “The Room” and the acts of violence that happened there, while I was forced to stay in that room. Understanding is still not coming as I rewrite these stories. Even at this age I cannot fathom the idea of doing these things to anyone, let alone a child of 3 years. Once again, I am so grateful for the diaries and how much they have given me, enabling this book to come together. Without racism or prejudice, would my life have unfolded the way it did? Probably not, it was about control, not just of people, but money and all that entails. This was why I had to go through so much. It was political, it was cruel. Shades of South Africa where many suffered in the same way for the same reasons. Will we ever learn? This is why I love Johnny Clegg’s music…..
**I have posted links to both songs and this article on my facebook page if you wish to check it out.
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