Oh yeah, Life goes on. Long after the thrill of living has gone..
John Cougar Mellencamp: Jack & Diane 1982
Conversation 2022:
“How are you feeling now?”
“Like I’m ‘method’-walking up a massive industrial staircase. Learning to walk in a natural way without thinking about it. Like ‘method’ acting. Stepping onto each ledge as if I know what I’m doing and where I’m going. As if I’ve always walked this way and it’s easy as breathing. As if I’m confident of my direction. Aware of my destination. And happy with the timings.
Never showing I need to focus on each individual muscle to move forward. Not letting them know I’ve forgotten how to breathe. Acting as if I am over the fear of falling down. Coming to terms with every step. Knowing this is my last chance. If I stumble for a second I will fall. Like a sack of coal. Smashing every bone on the brutal steps..”
“What if you embrace the ‘method’. You are mastering it after all. It’s an art. It’s a gift. You balance fear with flair. How about making your talent your talisman? Creativity your crown?”
She looked at him as if he were mad.
“Don’t you ever wonder how different it might have been if..?”
He smiled at her:
“Follow the wonder. Hug the ‘what ifs?’ Feel the thrill of the metal hill. Turn it into a story, a song, a poem, a hatful of frogs. I believe in you.”