Thoughts on Father's Day

I went for an outing this morning to downtown.  As I was sitting on my favorite park bench in Vinoy Park, I was noticing the various types of clouds.  Being Father's Day, my thoughts were about my Dad, and my kids.  I love Father's Day because even though my kids and I are separated by physical distance, we're only a phone call away.  As I was snapping pics, the song, Both Sides Now came to mind.  Judy Collins version, from her Wildflowers album was always my favorite.

I was thinking about my life, and all that has happened, and all that is yet to unfold.  I was enjoying the warmth of the sun, and the beautiful setting, loving it, and at the same time, feeling very alone and missing my family.  In three weeks, I'll be celebrating a 'landmark' birthday, and realizing that no matter how old we get, we're still searching for that perfect day, and meaning to our existence, and love and companionship.  So today I'm thinking about life, my kids, families and clouds.

Bows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
I've looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way

I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
It's cloud's illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all

Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
When every fairy tale comes real
I've looked at love that way

But now it's just another show
You leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know
Don't give yourself away

I've looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
It's love's illusions I recall
I really don't know love at all

Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say "I love you" right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I've looked at life that way

But now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads
They say I've changed
But something's lost but something's gained
In living every day

I've looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all