From: owner-shindell-list-digest@smoe.org (shindell-list-digest) To: shindell-list-digest@smoe.org Subject: shindell-list-digest V12 #452 Reply-To: shindell-list@smoe.org Sender: owner-shindell-list-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-shindell-list-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk shindell-list-digest Sunday, May 26 2013 Volume 12 : Number 452 Today's Subjects: ----------------- Re: [RS] Gethsemani Hello [Vanessa Wills ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 21:27:51 -0400 From: Vanessa Wills Subject: Re: [RS] Gethsemani Hello I knew of Merton because of the Thomas Merton Center in Pittsburgh, which sponsors various progressive causes in that city. My work as an anti-war activist had brought me into contact with them, but even if it hadn't, the Merton Center is well known in Pgh. But certain details, such as that Merton's shed still stands, I learned from this song. With the associations I had with Merton, I thought the song would be social commentary--I wasn't expecting a song with a character whose story is so personal and confessional. Janet, I am with you on loving that line, "how I went too far" and also, "how I lost my way". I've found myself wondering what the friend's connection to Merton was. Is s/he (I always assumed it was a "she", but actually the song does not leave very many clues about the friend's identity) a Catholic social justice activist? Or perhaps simply drawn to Merton's spirituality? Or maybe they were just in the area and this seemed like an interesting side trip? We don't know, although the fact that s/he wanted to pray beside Merton's grave obviously implies a religious/spiritual connection. I also wonder what's signified by the character's statement that he "kissed Gethsemani goodbye". Merton's Gethsemani is a place of peace, solitude, and quiet reflection. Of course, according to legend there is a Gethsemane well-known for being the place where, with a kiss, one man revealed himself to be an epically terrible friend. - --V On Thu, May 16, 2013 at 8:06 AM, Janet Cinelli wrote: > When I first saw the title, before hearing the song, I wondered what kind > of > song this would be. ------------------------------ End of shindell-list-digest V12 #452 ************************************