TSO – Mark Wayne – Author and Warrior

Lyrics from the song ‘There Was a Life’ from the TSO album Night Castle

As we face tightening restrictions due to COVID-19 all over the world, the US and the state in which I live, the lyric above got me to thinking about how much we really have no control over. We spend so much time and energy trying to control things in our lives. We schedule and plan out our tightly controlled days and when it does not go according to plan, what then?

So much is happening outside of our control:

There are waves crashing on beaches that no sees.
There are flowers blooming on high mountain tops of snow.
There are packs of wolves running across ridge lines in forests unseen.
There are trees bending from the force of the winds and weather.
There is birth, life and death happening all around us.

What is happening around you for which you have no control? #WickedQuestions
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For the sake of our own sanity and mental health, we must learn to detach from that over which we have no control. To trust in a good outcome, to hope in a better tomorrow, and a better future for those who come behind us.

#JustBelieve #HopeLives

I’LL KEEP YOUR SECRETS, I’LL HOLD YOUR GROUND
AND WHEN THE DARKNESS STARTS TO FALL
I’LL BE AROUND THERE WAITING
WHEN DREAMS ARE FADING
AND FRIENDS ARE DISTANT AND FEW

KNOW AT THAT MOMENT I’LL BE THERE WITH YOU

I’LL BE AROUND WHEN THERE’S NO REASON LEFT TO CARRY ON AND EVERY DREAM YOU’VE EVER HAD IS GONE AND THE DARK IS DEEP AND BLACK WITHOUT A SOUND AND EVERY STAR HAS BEEN DRAGGED TO THE GROUND KNOW AT THAT MOMENT I WILL BE AROUND

“I’ll Keep Your Secrets” Trans Siberian Orchestra

I read these lyrics, listen to them being sung and feel my heart being pierced. The search of every human being to be accepted and loved. To truly be there in the now, in that moment where everything you have ever known is cascading to an undeniable and dreaded ending. When all your instincts are screaming for you to run, either out of fear or denial. You stand by helpless in that moment, searching for the strength it takes, to face the dark and not flee. I have been there in that moment and am scarred by it for the rest of my life. I have also come out on the other side of the black. To know that I faced my biggest challenge and worst nightmare and passed the ultimate test gives me strength.

Do you have someone who will ‘keep your secrets’? That person(s) that will always be around? The above picture entitled “Duo” reflects that to me, someone who will always be there to the end.

I count myself blessed to say I have had two people like this in my life. How about you?

(The above picture was done using an ink wash and crayon technique.)