December 31, 2008
Beyonce singing 'The Way We Were' for Barbara Streisand at the NY Performing Arts Center had me sobbing so hard that I could barely hear the song. Close up on 'Barbara' and not a tear! How stoic of her to listen and have her neutral face on national television -- a face without emotion.
For me, sitting on my quilt, the pillows propped on the bed--I gasped and cried aloud, without shame.
Hubbell-that beautiful Robert Redford, gently leading his lady to a life of ease, of love. She wouldn't have any of it and moved forward for social justice and for her own independence, self-reliance and meaningful support of those unable to speak for themselves. The way we were...I couldn't breath..I recognized Barbara's character and the pathos of the her choices, love and life--changing society and helping others.
So crying hard for the film and for myself, I tried to hear the words as Beyonce belted it out with renewed vigor and youth. Youth and idealism and years passing life to what significant goal. Study and discussions, talking and listening to what end? A lifetime of ideals and hopes to make a change for naught?
My teary eyes filled up again, as I realized the film and my life choices overlapped, parallel story-lines.
Robert Frost's poetry on choices and the path not taken, making all the difference. What difference? And to whom? Does the effort and painful choices really matter? Would a position as a CPA be just as meaningful, helping clients with taxes?
Did my parents and professors lead me to a path of ever-circular challenges and never-ending struggles? They did and I cannot decide whether to thank or curse them.
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