Learning To Be Kind
by @rocketgrrrl
Skirmish: Peace (@ajna1960)Liner Notes
This is for the #peace #skirmish , though a bit late. Decided this was one for my #dulcimer, and as usual, I second-guess that choice. I was trying to combine my experience with #aikido with the prompt. The concept of both sides de-escalating is a lesson I try to carry into my life off the mat as well as on.
Lyrics
Learning to be Kind
We’ve assembled rows of warriors upon the wooden floor, And you and I are meeting in this space. You reach across the boundary, you reach to take my hand, But your eyes are saying I should be afraid.
So I step aside, I let you pass, I try to feel emotions running through your mind. For we’re the same, We both are scared, Yet our connection here can teach us to be kind.
I have trained to dodge an enemy, to fend away a sword, And you have learned to strike and grab and throw. So many ways our gathering could lead us into war, If we always only walk the path we know.
So I step aside, I let you pass, I try to feel emotions running through your mind. For we’re the same, We both are scared, Yet our connection here can teach us to be kind.
Ambassadors, we both will be, When we learn to listen, learn we can agree.
So let’s step aside, Let’s simply pass, Let’s try to feel emotions running through our minds. For we’re the same We both are scared, And our connection here can teach us to be kind.
Comments
![[avatar]](https://fawm-avatars.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/fawm2023/5389.png){kind=avatar}
Kindness and connection - our best hope in thesetroubling times. Well expressed.
![[avatar]](https://fawm-avatars.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/fawm2025/0555b764-3602-44f9-be18-8032d1d9dae8.png){kind=avatar}
Lovey lyrics - you really do have a way with words. I really liked the minor chord choice for 'we both are scared' in the chorus. It really works. The melody is lovely - particularly at 'I have trained to dodge an enemy' Teh world needs Ambassadors right now. :-)
![[FAWM]](/static/img/demoduck.svg)
I like how you use concepts from Aikido to underline the message here. I'd have never guessed that was a dulcimer. It sounds more like an oriental instrument. I guess it's your technique, it doesn't have that plectrum strummed rhythmic sound I associate with the instrument (and that I use myself to hide my lack of skill on it 😜). You give it more space, like Joni did when she used to play "California".