At first we were all chatting, sending funny memes and dark-tinted jokes. Then we started to count our blessings and revel in our new-found freedom. We quizzed, we zoomed, we house partied. Then there was the dread of returning to a difficult normality, and the challenges of transitioning. And now, it is so quiet.
There is nothing much to say. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t need each other at the moment.
It got me thinking that it’s really difficult to break a silence unless you feel like what you’re saying is helpful or revolutionary in some way. Is this comfortable numbness that we are too apathetic to break? A weighted blanket on the cot? Or is it the case that we are burying things because we are used to having our utterances blown along in the chatter? We don’t really want them to go centre stage into a silent auditorium. They are not sufficient; not world-shattering or brilliant enough.
Anyway, that’s a long way of saying that nobody blogged for WAF this week. So, I thought I would share some lyrics, because it is going around in my head and feels apt.
Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there’s always tomorrow
Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won’t let show
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on
If there is a load you have to bear
That you can’t carry
I’m right up the road
I’ll share your load
If you just call me (call me)
If you need a friend (call me) call me uh huh (call me) if you need a friend (call me)
If you ever need a friend (call me)
Call me (call me) call me (call me) call me
(Call me) call me (call me) if you need a friend
(Call me) call me (call me) call me (call me) call me (call me) call me (call me)
Bill Withers (1972)
