I have spent most of my life (like most people)
avoiding transcendence at all costs, mainly
because the shit hurts. Merely defining transcen-
dence can sometimes be painful. I once heard that
“Transcendence is the act of going through some-
thing”. Ouch. I see plate glass windows and
divorces. Someone else told me that it was “rising
above whatever one encountered in one’s path” but
at this point in my life that smacks of avoidance as
well as elitism of some sort. I am compelled to look
back on years of going through, above, as well as
around my life looking for loopholes to redefine
everything including any and all of the ideas that
I have held close to my heart along the way – Art –
Freedom – Justice – Revolution – Love (a big one) –
Growth – Passion – Parenting (a really big one) –
and I find that for me, for now, transcendence is
about being still enough long enough to know
when it’s time to move on. Fuck me.
Steve Earle
January 2000
Tag Archives: Steve Earle
Merry Christmas
Nothing But A Child
(Steve Earle)
Once upon a time in a far off land
Wise men saw a sign and set out aross the sand
Songs of praise to sing, they travelled day and night
Precious gifts to bring, guided by the light
They chased a brand new star, ever towards the west
Across the mountains far, but when it came to rest
They scarce believed their eyes, they’d come so many miles
And the miracle they prized was nothing but a child
Nothing but a child could wash these tears away
Or guide a weary world into the light of day
And nothing but a child could help erase these miles
So once again we all can be children for awhile
Now all around the world, in every Iittle town
Everyday is heard a precious little sound
And every mother kind and every father proud
Looks down in awe to find another chance allowed
R.M. ENGELHARDT 