No Hard Feelings

Two days ago, a song I’d never before heard arrived magically on the six month anniversary of my beloved’s conscious step into the light. The storm I’ve wept since suggests a theme of her heart’s farewell. An anthem of my journey forward. The linked video, displaying the lyrics below, may afford the most complete experience. My first encounter of the Avett Brothers.

When my body won’t hold me anymore

And it finally sets me free

Will I be ready?

When my feet won’t walk another mile

And my lips give that last kiss goodbye

Will my hands be steady?

When I lay down my fears

My hopes and my doubts

The rings on my fingers

And the keys to my house

With no hard feelings

When the sun hangs low in the west

And the light in my chest

Won’t be kept held at bay any longer

When the jealousy fades away

And it’s ash and dust for cash and rust

And it’s just hallelujah

And love in thoughts and love in the words

Love in the songs they sing in the church

And no hard feelings

Lord knows they haven’t done

Much good for anyone

Kept me afraid and cold

With so much to have and hold

When my body won’t hold me anymore

And it finally lets me free

Where will I go?

Will the trade winds take me south

Through Georgia grain or tropical rain

Or snow from the heavens?

Will I join with the ocean blue

Or run into the savior true

And shake hands laughing?

And walk through the night

Straight to the light

Holding the love I’ve known in my life

And no hard feelings

Lord knows they haven’t done

Much good for anyone

Kept me afraid and cold

With so much to have and hold

Under the curving sky

I’m finally learning why

It matters for me and you

To say it and mean it too

For life and its lovliness

And all of its ugliness

Good as it’s been to me

I have no enemies

Josephine

January 19, 2020 at 10:45 am

Thank you for sharing this, Steve! What a great song! Just recently saw an exhibit of artwork by one of the Avett brothers. A thoughtful, interesting bunch for sure. Love, Josephine