And is it called infinity

The stuff that makes up you and me

Indefinite we roll along

and merrily

And do we seeing, ever really see

Objects: birds, a heart, a tree

Where roost they, what branch

Easier to fly away, to flee

Suppose I give you a copy, a key

And with it words of longing, a plea

To fit, to turn, to creak

Having the open door doesn’t make you free

Being or is it not to be

The door’s not so clamped shut upon infinity

It’s right there, reach out your hand

Stand with me and push into eternity

Welcome to The ALIVE hour.

Illustration: Shannon ColonAudio: Chloe Riley. Music: carefulGIANTS + Chloe Riley

Things found in real life

* This lone “can” mitten waving hello

* More of your letters.

(Haven’t received yours yet? Don’t you worry: it’s coming.)

Things found on the internet

* This piece on music and what it means to listen after living through (and continuing to live through) a pandemic:

“…perhaps it was a delayed reaction to the psychic tumult of 2020 — my wounded spirit forcing me to account more quietly for what we’d collectively endured (and are still enduring).”

* This tribute to Stephen Sondheim — composer, writer, seer of human beings who passed away on November 26 at the age of 91:

“Uncertainty, self-delusion, disillusionment: Sondheim knew that they could be as deeply felt as the primary-color emotions. His characters sang to think and to feel at the same time.”

Take a few minutes and listen to “Being Alive” with the volume up. It’s a really nice start to the day.

And thank you for listening. Thank you for being present with me. Have a great weekend.

Chloe

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thealivehour.substack.com