Freedom

In 1987 Joan Baez sang both Oh Freedom and Let Us Break Bread Together live. She spoke of Marian Anderson and Martin Luther King and I Have a Dream.

Her voice is from angels but I must say that having the Harley-Davidson 110th reunion this weekend (we’re not a part of it) and its low, incessant growl up and down our streets makes me think of one thing, Freedom. That’s what they did, allow freedom. Something makes me want to sell our safe cars and get a Harley, but what would do with our old dog? She won’t wear goggles or sit in a basket, not that any self-respecting Harley owner would have a basket.

After years I’ve finally found the CD and could certainly, even as a beginner, plan them out on my guitar. I would like to salute to the freedom Harley-Davidson has allowed, and also the individualism and camaraderie that driving that beast conveys. And I’d love to drive a couple of blocks on one, driven by the owner. Just tell them there’s a grandma in the neighborhood who needs a ride to the store.

Yesterday as storm clouds arrived I invited a photographer onto our balcony to take some shots and she took at least 150 as the sky changed and lightning struck. She promised to send a couple back. I’ve always liked letting photographers in to photograph storms or moose or whatever they do. It’s my Harley, my freedom to see what I miss in an everyday existence.

Oh, freedom, oh, freedom Oh, freedom over me

And before I’ll be a slave, I’ll be buried in my grave

And go home, to my Lord and be free.

Not only do I wish to have heard Joan Baez sing this I wish I’d heard Marian Anderson at the March on Washington fifty years ago. Enjoy your day and Labor Day weekend. Cheers, Dee