Human Being

What a wonderful night! Up at a winery in the Santa Cruz mountains, unexpectedly entertained by a fellow conference goer who brought along a guitar, his raspy voice, and a poet's soul. He is a Canadian. Next to me is a Norwegian diplomat. We are totally on the same wavelength, like we've known each other for years. Along comes a woman from North Carolina who sings in a gospel choir that tours the world to build bridges of understanding through song. I tell her "Oh Happy Day" is my favorite gospel song and she says it's the favorite in Belgium too and they taught her to sing it in Flemish last year. Dan is singing about darkness not having a claim on him, and being free in the light. Terje tells me his wife might like to join this healthy marriage business and his eyes are glowing. The stars are shining. The temperature is perfect. The wine is easy on the palate. The music is soul stirring. We are together.