Tales of the long ago: Why I am called "Sings About Fruit"

[ambitious_wench]

Many years ago, when I was a young and callow Pagan, my partner and I would sing for our supper at Pagan Gatherings in the New England area. We've sung for Janet and Stewart Farrar, for Louis Martello, for Laurie Cabot. When we broke form Rosegate, we were welcomed and cherished by many groups.

When Robin and I broke up, I lost almost everything I had. I didn't even have a bed to sleep on. I slept on a friend's sofa. But I still count my self lucky because I inherited the Pagans. I was rich in friends. It was by their kindness that I survived the devestating loss of love.

I would attend gatherings, and sing for them. I learned songs, sang old favorites from my days with Robin. But I always, ALWAYS ended with "Today". The lyrics are:

Today

Today, while the blossoms still cling to the vine
I'll taste your strawberries, I'll drink your sweet wine
A million tomorrows shall all pass away
Ere I forget all the joy that is mine, Today

I'll be a dandy, and I'll be a rover
You'll know who I am by the songs that I sing
I'll feast at your table, I'll sleep in your clover
Who cares what the morrow shall bring

Today, while the blossoms still cling to the vine
I'll taste your strawberries, I'll drink your sweet wine
A million tomorrows shall all pass away
Ere I forget all the joy that is mine, Today

I cant be contented with yesterdays glory
I cant live on promises winter to spring
Today is my moment, now is my story
I'll laugh and I'll cry and I'll sing

Today, while the blossoms still cling to the vine
I'll taste your strawberries, I'll drink your sweet wine
A million tomorrows shall all pass away
Ere I forget all the joy that is mine, Today

Today, while the blossoms still cling to the vine
I'll taste your strawberries, I'll drink your sweet wine
A million tomorrows shall all pass away
Ere I forget all the joy that is mine, Today

Words and Music by Randy Sparks

One autumn we went apple picking, and we sat in the orchard in the grass and ate apples right from the tree, warm from the sun. I must have been drunk on sunlight, on gentle companionship, and the flavor of apples. I sang my song, but substituted "taste your strawberries" with "eat your warm apples".

Little did I know that they had recently given themselves descriptive names in the manner of Native Americans. Marcia's name was "Cooks with curry". Matthew was "Dances with Susan Powter". Lori was "Chases with broom."

I finished my song, and as one they raised their hands, pointed at me and said "SINGS ABOUT FRUIT!"

It stuck.
*grin*

Comments

[shadow-5tails.livejournal.com]

Just to earn the Callow Comment Award for the day:
Awww.

I thought that might be a recording of you singing it, fruit girl.

*pouts*