It seems that my colleagues in the Bronx Toastmasters Club of
Riverdale have been the first to receive some of my awakenings. I’m
going to make you the second to hear about what my experiences have been at
Toastmasters.
I
talk about ways to make the world a better place. Folk music professionals,
such as me and Peter, Paul, and Mary inadvertently created generations of
children whose lives were affected by a depressed dragon, who gave up his
fearless roar because he lost a friend.
As
fellow human beings, we should reach back when someone—especially a creature so
strange—gives up. You have to keep reaching back to them, trying to share
love. I do this. Some of my best friends withdraw from friendships
and soak in anger and isolation. Reaching back in love and giving them
space when they need it is a good way of showing compassion and understanding.
One
of today’s folk artists, Brandi Carlile has set an example of how it’s
done. Check out her story about helping Tanya Tucker make a
comeback. Now she’s helping Joni Mitchell perform again…. One day at
a time.
Here's
what I’m doing for Puff the Magic Dragon, Brandi Carlile-Style.
One blue night I was lonely
And set off for Honah Lee.
My feelings I could not ignore
for I missed Puff’s fearless roar.
I knew he hid in his cave
and that we both needed to be brave
We also need dragons of magic
their strong intrepid spirits.
Hey, Puff you magic dragon,
Tell us what’s going on
With some support you’ll get through this
‘cause you helped us feel so blessed
Puff felt like we were listening
and smiled his firery grin, ‘cause love
reached him--
our attention returned his old flames
and so did playing tag and chess games!
This dragon lives forever.
He has his people everywhere.
Together we all are friends
our courageous roars will never end!
Puff the magic dragon still lives by the sea
And he loves it when we play
And now he’s happy most everyday
in a land called Honah Lee!
Yay!
--October 2022
