Mantra

A theme song - not to end all theme songs, but from which there is a beginning

In 1988, I joined a retreat that said "YES" to Life - Search-In of La Salle Greenhills. In tribute, I would like to share this song, a mantra, if you would have it, written by John Klemmer. My oldest brother liked him so much he bought the cassette tape. It has since been eroded and lost, but up to this day I can recall the soulfulness of his rendition, the simple accompaniment, the texture of the song.

It's not heavy stuff, and I won't pretend it is. It opened my mind to new doors, doors which were hurtful to pass through, but gave my life meaning nonetheless. And so it goes:

Time to hear the ocean
Time to see the sky
Time to close my eyes
Just to feel
Just be real

A chance to run and roam
A place that I call home
A woman and child of my own
Just for me
Just be free.

A star to reach for
So little yet so much more
Something I can really hold on to
A love I take with me
A hand to lead me
All I ever wanted was my life.
All I ever wanted was my life.
All I ever wanted was my life.

Time to work and play
Time to think and grow
Time to search and know
Who I am
If I can.

A chance to find my soul
To understand my role
All I ever wanted was my life
Was my life
Was my life.