B. Glenn Copeland 'Musings and Music'

Courage © B. Glenn Copeland 2013 SOCAN

Daily the plight of our world and its inhabitants weighs on us all whether we take it in consciously or unconsciously.

This morning, Canadian Thanksgiving, as I read a bit of news, signed a few petitions calling for greater mercy, I began to cry.  The sorrow that I know I feel emerged unbidden. 

Courage to take compassionate action in a world spinning out of control is the path we must walk.  We are all, each creature, plant, on down to the tiniest particle inextricably bound together. Ultimately, we share a common destiny on this amazing, vulnerable planet spinning so graciously through unbounded spacetime. What will it be?

And yet, there are so many caring hearts who give their all.

This song is my personal reminder to myself to develop ‘true’ courage, to do whatever I can each day, to grow my ability to act with compassion.  It’s so easy to cry a bit and then forget, having relieved the pressure.

Kingpin written, arranged & performed by B. Glenn Copeland © Granny Mabel Leaf’s Music SOCAN  2009

Song from ‘Into the Circle...from bullying to belonging‘ an original musical by B. Glenn Copeland ©  B. Glenn Copeland  2009

Human Child written, arranged & performed by B. Glenn Copeland © Granny Mabel Leaf’s Music SOCAN  2015

Song from ‘The Raven of The Raven of Éirean Mhór ‘- an original musical by Elizabeth Copeland ©  Elizabeth Copeland  2015

Polly Peacock - an original illustration by award winning Canadian children’s book illustrator Kitty Macaulay for the song ‘Beautiful’ from the musical ‘Into the Circle...from Bullying to Belonging’ written by B. Glenn Copeland.

The music and musings are in the previous post.

‘Beautiful’ is a female bullying song written for my musical ‘Into the Circle...from Bullying to Belonging. We hear the self-described superiority of the young female, and then the counterpoint views expressing what I believe to be ‘true’ beauty. How sad that our society peddles beauty as the exclusive province of those with certain exterior features or body types.

And yet, most of us recognize when we gaze into eyes filled with compassion and delight that we are in the presence of something that could only be called beautiful. 

‘Beautiful’ from the musical ‘Into the Circle’ by B. Glenn Copeland © Granny Mabel Leaf’s Music  2009  SOCAN

Illustration © Kitty Macaulay  2009

An original illustration by the wonderful Canadian children’s book illustrator, Kitty Macaulay, for my musical - ‘Into the Circle...from Bullying to Belonging‘

You can hear one of the pieces from this musical entitled ‘Kingpin‘ in the previous entry.

‘Kingpin’ is the song of the bully who ends up becoming a hero in my musical ‘Into the Circle...from Bullying to Belonging.’  We are all of us capable of exhibiting both these attributes.  A deeply compassionate society can bring out the true ‘hero’ is almost all of us - a society that cares and includes, rather than blaming and excluding. Little by little we are starting to understand.

Art to accompany Human Child

I wonder sometime why so much of my work is concerned with the brevity of life. And though I would say this is natural at my age, still, I note that this has been true since first I began writing music almost fifty years ago. My Buddhist elders say that the contemplation of this brevity is so important as it is one of life’s primary teachers. 

I have no doubt that this is true. 

Tears of deep appreciation mix with my memories - a scent, a sound, a touch, and sometimes a melancholic moment to which my nature still turns at times without shame or rebuke. 

It is a quiet time. And paradoxically, a time in which I have never been busier, or happier.

This song, Human Child, was born of this very intense time. In a brief moment of contemplation in the midst of this dynamic energy release, I heard these words.

“Human Child, we gather to carry you Wings of hope will carry you home Weep no more, your prayers have been answered here Weep no more, you’re never alone Human child, we gather to carry you home.”

Whatever.... as young folks are so fond of saying.

Until then, how precious each day!

‘Passing Through’… A song for my friend Joan, who wrote the thoughts below. Passing Through: words - Joan Ruvinsky, music - B. Glenn Copeland Spoken word and music performed by Glenn copyright - Granny Mable Leaf’s Music   2015  SOCAN Photo by Shane Tang                                 —————————————- Life is full of surprises!

We are always living in the unknown but we do not always know it. We only know it when something takes us by surprise. We may be pleasantly surprised or we may object vigorously, but ultimately, Life prevails.

This time, Life is prevailing in the form of thisphysical body dancing its way through incurable cancer. The details areirrelevant; any prognosis is pure fantasy.

The “I” called Joan is perfectly at easewith this latest version of the unknown, as the body, having passed the 71-year-old mark, is looking for the exit door. No surprise. No protest. No problem.

This afternoon is a beautiful afternoon, as I watch sunlight gliding across the mountain peaks toward sunset.

Please see the 'musings' that accompany this music in the previous blog entry.

Music and lyrics: B. Glenn Copeland Arrangement:  Glenn All voices and computer generated instruments performed by Glenn except for guitar.  Guitar, live on the floor - The 'incredible' Margaret Stowe

This time of life is about many things they say.  

Crowning accomplishments. Remembering. Gratitude for youth and youthfulness. 

And goodbyes.

The rain falls from my eyes upon the frozen earth of friends' ashes. Still I hope in time, we'll all meet meet again.....

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