Harvest Moon

 

 

 

We’re coming up to the October full moon, The Harvest Moon. It’s a bittersweet time of year. The end of summer and the last days before the weather turns cold and we descend into the depths of winter. A time of retreat and reflection--when Persephone takes up residence in the Underworld for six long months. A time when we mourn the loss of the long summer days. And yet, a time when we remain hopeful for the advent of spring.

This has me thinking about Neil Young’s song Harvest Moon. If there was ever a song that pulls at the heart strings, this is the one. Okay, maybe not the one, but it’s up there with the top fifty, in my humble opinion.

Because I’m still in love with you.

That’s the line that gets me. To be specific, it’s the simple word still--and the way this little adverb modifies the state of being in love. This little adverb is so shy, you’d almost miss it, but it’s the word that elevates the song from being a typical I’m in love with you, baby, let’s get it on kind of song. I’m still in love with you reveals that this is a long-abiding love story. This is a love story that has stood the test of time. This love has gone to the brink and come back, stronger. This is a seasoned sort of love. And we know this, all because of the simple word--still.

Still holds within it the fragility of love--that it can be lost in a moment--a mistake, a wrong word, a forgotten appointment.

But, here’s the good news--this does not have to be the end. In fact, struggle can make your story stronger. It can bring you back into the arms of love--full of yearning and entreating:

I want to see you dance again

Because I’m still in love with you

On this harvest moon

 

Creative Friends--slow down, be patient, stay faithful. Ask yourself who do you love? This can be a person, place or thing. Strive to choose your words carefully. True, you will make mistakes in your life and in your art. Forgive yourself and move on. Consider the power of the simple modifier. And yes, I’m still in love with you,