A Swan's Death Song

A swan's death song: 

the beauty of a swan's death song, it's been a persistent myth, predating ancient Greece but gaining traction during this time. Scientifically there seems to be no evidence that a less than musically inclined swan during its living years, saves it's most beautiful voice for a deathbed song of great and delicate beauty. Yet I love this myth, how it gave rise to the common saying of a swan song, a final act of significance and grace that's left forever remembered in the minds of those fortunate enough to witness its performance. Of course the lesson so often offered with this is to offer our songs to the world right now, not to save it for our last moments when so few might be able to hear it. 

but maybe it's the finality that lends it such beauty. 

a swan certainly makes music during it's lifetime, even the European Mute swan often honks, grunts and gives an occasional hissing sound, perhaps not on possessing the most gifted voice, it's still a song unique to this most graceful bird. And that's the beauty of every song, that it's offered to the world from our own perspective, no matter a grunt from a swan or twill from the most gifted songbird - we are only asked to sing, not to be judged by the quality of our song. 

perhaps, myth aside, what would make a swans death song so beautiful is the poignancy of its call, that each note is given just that final moment and not to be heard in this world again. In this way, it's really about mindfulness, right now we're given an opportunity to sing a unique perspective that's final in its note, a swan's death song for each moment of our lives, 

it's all filled with beauty. 

every song. 

because it's ours, 

and this particular note...

will never by played exactly this way again. 

~

Peace, Eric