So I was going to write about how you can never be taken to 'the road'. You have to find you own way there. No matter how sincere your intentions are, unless someone is ready to take that first step themselves, you may as well save your energies for your own work. So, I am saving my energy...
In passing
I recall the film Il Postino. More than a beautiful love-story. More than a postcard of the beautiful island of Sicilia, where I have visited many times. It is a story of bravery. Mario Ruoppolo want's better for himself. He is stuck in life. Life is passing him by. Through a chain of events he discovers life, and love, is wondrous. He becomes a postman, and his path crosses that of the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, and discovers poetry. Not having any understanding of the mechanics of poetry, he falls in love with words. He loves the sounds of words, and how they can describe life with metafore. While intoxicated with this new found love, he finds his heart's companion, the sultry Beatrice Russo. After loads of fumbling from our Mario, she is won over by his honesty and sincerity. Meanwhile a new poet is being created. A poet for the popoli. At this point you realise that creativity is something that can't be bottled up, kept on the back burner or put on the top shelf (sorry, got carried away there). Our Mario is swept away by this outlet for this new love. He produces a tour de force which sees him attending a political rally. Tragically he is killed during the crack-down by the authorities. His poetry lives on with his friends and loved ones, and his, never seen, son. A great movie, which I have watched many times... I guess I have to make my point here.
So, this story could be about anything you choose. I want it to be a romantic tale of the powerful tug of creating art. I want it to be about the knowing. The knowing that you do have a voice. You have a special voice, and you need it to be heard. We all have that voice. Some, sadly choose to ignore it. Some wait until it irrupts. We postpone it because it is scary, very scary. All it takes is a little courage... ok, plenty of courage. But it takes bravery to stand proud and say, this is mine!
I would like to celebrate all who create. No matter how insignificant or trivial it may seem, someone listened to that little whisper. And that is a good thing! It is a wonderful thing. So what if it's not to your liking. Say, well done, and move on. They have produced something. And that needs to be celebrated.
Thanks for taking the time to read some more ramblings of a die-hard romantic. Have a look at Il Postino if you get a chance (I am sure you can find a copy with subtitles). It is a beautiful film. And have a great week. A
