Footfall

I’m Only Going Over Jordan
I’m Only Going Over Home

Measured as the amount of foot traffic in a given area, or as my interested understanding prefers…the footstep and footsteps [of this road]. Each step across home, wilderness, and open space…the sounds – gentle or trudging, demure or obvious, searching and hopeful…cautious and hopeful. These are the steps we take on our obligations and desires, or on our footloose whimsical or conscious tessellated paths of interest and exploration. With each footfall new existence…the chance to see.

This day the virtual auditions continue. I steadily regenerate through song and track, one recording follows another…some play mere seconds, others stop at intermittent intervals, at the chorus, the bridge…the end…I am done…judge and juror we remain hopeful. All are worthy yet who shares today’s thoughts with me? How is it that I feel these sounds…these voices…these thoughts? Today’s talent (in random order) – Tom Petty, Duane Allman, Jimi Hendrix, Jesca Hoop, Kris Kristofferson, Steve and Lilly Winwood, Velvet Revolver, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, John Prine, James Gang, Yo-Yo Ma and James Taylor.

A few minutes and more – all in which a songwriter has, to hold our hearts. We have heard their passages as the ambiance of our productions and exhibitions, at our events, celebrations and passings. Their words, their music can be the sum of all things to a film…three minutes as summation to 90 minutes or more. Today who is it that I will choose as I recall my footfall?

With my words today and amidst all those of the auditioned virtual performers another reminder appears- one gentle voice above all others. A scene – a creek – a wood and other foot-fallers. Of quiet times in the field and of a solitary tree and cathedrals resonant of my paths…and oh how these reminders – what so I wanted to use…footfalls…searching and cautious, hopeful…a cathedral of the forest…one voice speaks to all… a poor wayfaring stranger.

Schofield stops on the edge of the clearing. Unsettled by the world before him. Unsure if these men are living or dead. If he is one of these ghosts.
(1917. Script written by Sam Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns, p. 97)

And like Schofield I close my eyes. Done.

Poor Wayfaring Stranger
American Folk and Gospel, ca. early 19th Century
Performed by Jos Slovick in the film 1917

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
I’m travellin’ through this world with woe
Yet there’s no sickness, toil, nor danger
In that bright land to which I go I’m going there to see my father
I’m going there no more to roam
I’m only going over Jordan
I’m only going over home I know dark clouds will gather round me
I know my way is rough and steep
But golden fields lie just before me
Where God’s redeemed shall ever sleep I’m going home to see my mother
And all my loved ones who’ve gone on
I’m only going over Jordan
I’m only going over home I am a poor wayfaring stranger
I’m travellin’ through this world of woe
Yet there’s no sickness, toil, nor danger
In that bright land to which I go I’m going there to see my father
I’m going there, no more to roam
I’m only going over Jordan
I’m only going over home