Why do we do this?

Hi all. This may not be for everyone. I ask for your indulgence.

Despite the fact that we all have diverse experiences and live (in most
cases) very far away from one another, we all have chosen to be a little
different from the rest of the world and try to grow giant pumpkins.
Ironically, it is this shared need to be different which makes us all a
little more alike. Unlike us, not everyone is cut out for being
different. One person who taught me about this way of viewing life was
my cousin Charlie Elfendahl, from Bainbridge Island, Washington.
(Instead of giant pumpkins though, he chose to compose and play music on
the electric guitar.)

Different Drummer
When you say that someone marches to the beat of a different drum,
do you ever stop to wonder about the Drummer?  
Some Drummers... play the Guitar.

Forgotten Men walked upright
        and painted caves now worn
Their Art created something new
        our Inspiration born

Then Poets’ children, words, like birds,
        taught us how to fly
While Scholars sold us secrets
        and we learned to fear to die

But Inspiration still remained
        her Voice not always heard
Passioned Few did understand
        the Power of Her Word

Against the odds, and smaller men
        who’s Inspiration lost
Artists kept their Faith, and Faith
        repaid Creation’s cost

Inspiration’s Child is born
        Imagination, Wrought
That Anyone should recognize
        the Muse, it matters not

The World accepts this gracious Gift
        for which the Artist strove
One new Gem for Mother Earth’s
        most Precious Treasure trove

Still, Inspiration Frightens us
        for we must look inside our self
To Find the Song, the Words, the Scene
        like Artist, Charlie Elf

I think the World a poorer place
        should any Artist die
But Inspiration’s Call ignored
        should also make us cry

Yet listen to the Call, you did
        I know you’ve gotta Fly
Feel Secure, you’ve done enough
        You’re excused,
                to Kiss the Sky

Charlie Elfendahl died this morning after a 5 year battle with Leukemia.
Tomorrow would have been his 36th birthday. 

Thank you for indulging me. I suspect each of you has been influenced by
someone like Charlie.
Joseph Derting
Tualatin, Oregon
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