The Humbling River

 

"Nature, nurture, heaven, and home. Sum of all and by them driven to conquer every mountain shore, but I've never crossed the river.  

Brave the forest, brave the stone, brave the icy winds and fire. Braved and beat them on my own, yet I'm helpless by the river. 

Angel, Angel, what have I done?  A face, the quakes, the wind, the fire.  I've conquered country, crown, and throne. Why can't I cross this river?  

'Pay no mind to the battles you've won.  It'll take a lot more than rage and muscle.  Open your heart and hands, my son, or you'll never make it o'er the river.  It'll take a lot more than words and guns.  A whole lot more than riches and muscle.  The hands of the many must join as one, and together we'll cross the river.'

It will take a lot more than words and guns.  A whole lot more than riches and muscle.  The hands of the many must join as one and together we'll cross the river.  

And together we'll cross the river...

And together we'll cross the river...

And TOGETHER we'll cross the river..."

- The Humbling River, Puscifer

Man, this song speaks to me.  So much.  It makes me think of today's politics and rhetoric.  What a republican would call "socialism" and what a democrat would call "social or economic equality".  

To me, it's humanity.  We are all here together.  People forget that we can't overcome obstacles or reach goals if we are divided.  And sadly, today, it will take a whole lot more than riches, muscle, words, and guns - to come together and accomplish something great.  It will take EVERYONE being HUMBLE.  Is that possible?  I AM helpless by the river - all by myself.  


I want to believe that the humbling river represents entrance into Heaven, or maybe even just transcending some spiritual realm that we cannot gain access to in our current state of existence as a race of humans.  Like crossing the river would lead to a transformation - to ultimate peace, maybe.  


I was planning on writing about sex today, because I had an amazing conversation with my husband last night and it's been something with which I have been struggling.  But, it's just not in me to go there right now.  I will, later, because I can only imagine that there are plenty of other moms who are feeling the same way I have been feeling. 


But having my home to myself today and listening to this song has inspired me to think philosophically.  I am confused about why our race of human beings still believes, in this day and age, that war and fighting is going to accomplish anything positive.  We are still fighting.  We are still "conquering".  Like we're cavemen, or animals.  We are civilized humans with the ability to use language and reason.  And I'm not blaming one side of any war or another.  I'm blaming ALL people who would choose to fight and conquer because of money, instead of choosing to be humble and work together to reach certain ends.  Some call it capitalism, I call it GREED.  And I'm not saying that I have a better solution.  But I am saying that it's not right.  It's just not moral to step on others for our own selfish gain. Whatever that want is, it is not greater in value than the worth of whomever is being trodden on to obtain it. 


I am not innocent.  I have played that game.  But I no longer choose to live that way.  It is not worth it.  I will take less in order to keep my faith and some sense of inherent goodness intact.  That means something to me.  It's important to me.  I will bow my head and reach out my hand, even if it means that I am amputated and decapitated.  Figuratively.  There is still the chance that someone will take my hand and join me.  


Here's hoping...