A long time ago, I heard someone say “it’s easier to swim downstream, than upstream.” That statement was based on the idea that we need to find the things in life that we are good at doing, and let them carry us downstream. That, of course, is much easier than constantly fighting the current. I suppose, though, it all depends on where the stream is headed; as it’s always a good idea to swim away from waterfalls…. Boston’s song “More Than A Feeling” reminds me of this philosophy, and consequently has greatly influenced my writing. I’m sure I’ve heard the song many, many times, but it was only a few years ago that I made the connection. I suppose you might say:
“I looked out this morning and the sun was gone
Turned on some music to start my day
I lost myself in a familiar song
I closed my eyes and I slipped away”.
After making the connection, I decided that writing was one of the things in life that I was good at doing (or, at the very least, enjoy doing). Not long after, I started writing my collection of poetry. Since that day, I have to admit, I’ve had the feeling that I’m flowing downstream instead of upstream. As it turns out, though, occasional rapids are impossible to avoid. Fortunately, I’m used to them now. No one is perfect, nor is the world, and occasional bumps are to be expected. It is easier to deal with them, though, when you’re facing the right direction. Even then, however, you should never underestimate the value of proper training.
One of my favorite poems, “The Cool Morning Air,” deals with a similar theme. On the surface, the poem appears to deal with the morning waking process. Going deeper, though, the poem addressed the awakening of one’s consciousness. Through this awakening process, the hidden path, or the current you are meant to follow, becomes visible. I recently wrote another poem that dives deeper into this idea. That poem, though, is an integral part of “A New Beginning…”, so I can’t discuss it yet. In the meantime, I leave you with these words from Boston:
“It’s more than a feeling
(More than a feeling)
When I hear that old song they used to play
(More than a feeling)
I begin dreaming
(More than a feeling)
‘Til I see Marianne walk away
I see my Marianne walkin’ away”.
Cody McCullough Writes: 
Interesting blog! I really like your approach on musical influences!
Thank you. I’m glad you like my blog, and my approach on musical influences. Movies are next. I hope you like them too.
Most definately! I’m a big movie/music/tv series freak! 😛
Oh, I’m familiar with the song, and I like it. I listened to the lyrics for the first time ( I normally listen to the melody ), and yes, I got it.
Good. Good. I’m glad you like it, and got it.
definitely love
the feeling
of being
in the flow …
~
but sometimes
I feel like the battered salmon
swimming upstream
~
finally home again
to reproduce
breathe slowly
and
decompose
Great salmon metaphor! I know the feeling…. Thanks for the comment.
Thank you for your words. I am in the process of finding my way & it can get very confusing at times.
Finding your way is always a challenge, but a worthwhile venture too. I wish you the best of luck.
Music was my first poetry. My introduction to poetry, you might say. Helped me to get in touch with my own feelings and helped me through some stuff.
Music is a great outlet. It’s helped me along the way too. Thanks for the comment.
Haven’t heard the song but back in the 90’s Manchester United footballer baffled the media with his quote “when seagulls follow the trawler, it’s because they think fish will be thrown back into the sea”. Um…I have no idea either.
I have to admit, the song is a bit old. I love the quote that you provided. I just wrote some upcoming posts, and they may be a bit baffling too. Fortunately, I have some time to contemplate if I should rein them in a bit. I suppose time will tell…. Thanks again for your always intriguing comments.
Baffling is good, makes us think and that is always something we readers should do. I await them with interest and possibly a cool drink in my hand.
Your first paragraph is quote-worthy – “swim away from the waterfall.” Very solid advice no matter what type of fish (or swimming human) you might be. I hope your writing continues to flow, and that it comes as easily as flowing downstream.
Thank you very much, I’m glad you like my advice. I hope my writing continues to flow too. I should find out in the next few weeks.
This is one of my absolute favorite songs – for me – it represents breaking away. i love to bike (on my trainer of course) and run to it and I love driving on the highway to it. It is an awesome song.
There’s nothing better than breaking away every now and then. Great comment! Speaking of which, I think I’ll break away right now…
I saw Boston in concert. Hated the show and walked out. Still, they are kind of a part of the early soundtrack to my life, so I still get a flood of memories, mostly good, when I hear Boston. Thanks for the post!
Your welcome. I’ve never seen Boston in concert, but its sounds like I’m not missing much. Truth be told, “More Than a Feeling” is the only Boston song that I know. I do like it, though. Thanks for the comment.