Mountains and Places – Any Day and Any Table
Many of us enjoy watching movies time and time again. Each year I promise myself to find a few others and as I sit with pencil and paper in hand, neatly levered into my chair – my place, I jot down a few titles or more. The latest list includes one film I had not thought on for many years until Cold Mountain comes to mind and especially for what I recall as the end theme. To my great pleasure I have forgotten much…..but not this day…..
My gosh where has my time gone? Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renée Zellwegger and the band, Brendan Gleeson, Jack White and Ethan Suplee. As I watch this story of the Civil War…and its hurt…I cannot help but drift with my thoughts to Ken Burns’ documentary and its wonderful reoccurring theme Ashokan Farewll. In Cold Mountain we have to wait to the ending for Alison Krausse and The Scarlet Tide to take up the story, and in her sweet voice paraphrase and melodically rekindle our 154 minute journey.
This film is an allegory, a reminder of hurt in war where pain is masterly crafted in simple words (but my how I wish I could write them). As you read upon Ada Munroe’s [Nicole Kidman] thoughts…think of all families…left with the same hurt…from any war…any where….any time…..
What we have lost will never be returned to us…..The land will not heal……too much blood…..the heart will not heal…..All we can do is make peace with the past…and try to learn from it….
And later
…..There are days now when I manage not to think of you…..When the needs of the farm call with more urgency than my heart…..This time of year there’s so much life everywhere…..I find you in all of it…..as if you were still walking home to me…..If you could see us now this Easter day, at Black Cove, you would know every step of your journey was worth it.
As you watch this clip I cannot help but think of families after the Great War (or any war) at special events or for that matter any day at any table. Know that every person gathered at this table has somehow suffered a loss related to war. Think too about Canada’s Great War families, America’s families, anyone’s family – they may have spoken Athabaskan, Norwegian, French, Russian, English, Chinese, Flemish, German…all nations hurt…all of us try to heal…
I’m still climbing upwards and my journey’s almost ended. So friend if you’re thirsty climb this mountain with me….
Previously published Pipes of War website, 4 November 2016