So, in University Singers, we are singing a song called Omnia Sol. The lyrics are as follows:
Somewhere far from nowhere I grew both strong and tall,
Longing to become, but knowing not the path at all.
But the footprints of the winter melted to fields of spring,
One last embrace before I cross the threshold. To life we sing!
O stay your soul and leave my heart it's song,
O stay your hand, the journey may be long.
And when we part, and sorrow can't be sway'd,
Remember when and let your heart be staid.
Omnia Sol temperat,
Absens in remota,
Ama me fideliter,
fidem meam noto.
Weave the dance and raise the chorus
Through the strength of Orion find refuge from the shore.
Let courage be your oar, let passion be your sail.
Wisdom and Truth will guide your deep hearts yearning.
Through all travail.
O stay your soul and leave my heart it's song
O stay your hand, the journey may be long.
And when we part, and sorrow can't be sway'd,
Remember when and let your heart be staid.
Omnia Sol temperat,
Absens in remota,
Ama me fideliter,
fidem meam noto.
O stay your hand and leave my heart it's song
O stay your hand, the journey may be long.
And when we part, and sorrow can't be sway'd
Remember when,
Remember when.
And let your heart be staid.
Be staid.
This song has so much meaning for me, and I think it's one of the most human songs I have ever had the chance to sing. I think that it's inherent qualities speak volumes to humankind. It's a tender song about leaving parts of ourselves in all of the people we meet. It also speaks the truth about leaving, and that it might be hard to leave the ones we love behind for a time (the journey may be long) but our memories are what chain our hearts to those we love (remember when and let your heart be staid).
This wonderful work makes me think down to my very core. What are the things that I value most? And I think I've finally reached that conclusion. I've been thinking much of late about the defining characteristics of my life, and I've come to the conclusion that the thing that means the most to me are the people I have in my life. I know, it's cliche to say. Everyone loves the people that they have in their lives, but for real. I would not be who I am without them. I owe my life, my faith, my confidence, my compassion, and my determination and strength to the people around me.
Omnia Sol makes me think about that. So, at the concert, this song is dedicated to you. To the person who takes the time to read this blogs. To the person who takes the time to get to know me better, and to give me multiple chances. The person who wants to my friends and companion based on the sole fact that you like the person that I am.
The mere fact that I have people to talk to everyday is the main reason why I get up in the morning. I love meeting new people, and I love new experiences. I thirst for knowledge. I know this is a lot to get out of one poetic song, but I have been thinking about it for some time.
I believe that we as humans are creatures that are meant to be heard and to be remembered in some small way. I actually wrote about this in a theatre essay. The professor posed the question "Why do humans perform?" I answered this by saying that everybody wants to be remembered and heard. But I think that those characteristics pertain to much more than just theatrical perfomances. I think that people want to be remembered in another's heart. It feels good to know that someone else cares, and that someone else has your imprint on their hearts. I like to think of the human heart as a stone that the names of the people you care about are etched into. Experience writes on us, and the memories we have are what's written our hearts.
This also makes it hard, I think, to leave experiences behind. I know I personally have a hard time letting go of people and places that I've been. I live in New North Hall right now, and I know at the end of the year I'm going to be wishing for it all to happen again, but the fact remains that it cannot be repeated. If there's anything I've learned (even if I have yet to apply it =P) is that life is far too short to be living in the past, or thinking that what hasn't happened yet is right around the corner. The past has already happened, and the future doesn't exist, so we should live in the moment (as cliche as that is).
So, with that, I conclude another post. Life continues to be a big long lesson for me, and I cannot wait to learn more.
As Omnia Sol says:
"Remember when, and let your heart be staid"
Live in the moment. Carpe diem, love who love with all of your heart, live life to the fullest, and keep those chained to your heart always near.
With sincerest regards,
-Geoff-
