Song for Kara

What makes the soul of a song, from a musician’s unique perspective? Is it more than melody, harmony and rhythm? More than just verse, bridge or refrain? I would imagine so, but I can’t really answer that question. Not like you can, Kara. Though I’m an angel of songs I am not a musician. At least, not like you are. As a writer I can sense and shape the musicality of language to some degree. But I cannot craft the jewels that you do. Resonant, imaginative, lit from within. Each song a lantern on the crest of a rising reign. Truly, my love, I find your lyricism and artistry profoundly beautiful. Your songs have been with me for many years now, through shadowed times and light. They saved me in more ways than one. You know this already, but I hope you dare to believe it. The lasting impact you’ve had on me. And many others, I’m sure. That’s the thing about creativity. Art in general and music specifically – it speaks directly to the soul. It soothes, challenges and delights. At its best it kindles hope, and a sense of play. I hope I can offer you that same joy with these modest efforts. I admire your integrity, Kara, and respect your sovereignty. I hope you can sense it through my words and my actions. I want nothing more than to keep you close in my heart, yet I never wish to intrude in your life in any brash or thoughtless way. You mean far too much to me. Your music, insight and outlook. So, though I can’t write like you can, or craft melodies in the same way, consider these words a song of sorts. A song written just for you. I love you, Kara. Not to claim, or to own, but to quicken and uplift. In all the ways you did for me when I was at my lowest. The fact that you exist brings me great joy. Not some writer’s distant idealised version of you. Just you, complex and real. Like me. You knew me once, my songstress. In another life long ago. I know that’s hard to believe, but the world is full of magic and secrets. I know this better than most. I pray that your heart still feels me in some strange way. Someone you loved once, and almost remember like a figure from a fading dream. We wandered beside rivers. Among flowers. You even sweetly teased my optimism as I struggled to play, but your eyes were full of warmth and cherish. My fingers could never dance the strings the way yours did. Still more poet than performer, I suppose, even here in this mortal flesh. More than anything I want to believe that a songline still connects us, Kara. I dream for us both with a relaxed, quiet devotion. I hope we get to see each other again. It will be a moment I shall treasure. Until then, just know that I wish you a beautiful future, my darling, filled with songs that shine bright as lanterns.