My sister Maureen was an avid bicyclist and had the fearless spirit of adventurous explorers. She was in the Peace Corps in Africa during the 1970’s and traveled alone throughout India, Pakistan and Europe. Her last journey was the hardest, succumbing to cancer at the age of 69. It broke my heart and my own spirit.
She loved nature, and above all else, was a champion of the environment. She was composting long before it was fashionable (not sure it is yet…) and knew the names of every flower and bird that she encountered. She had a passion for astronomy and could identy constellations on their celestial journeys throughout the year. I remember a cold winter night outside her home on the shore of Lake Michigan when we had just returned from one of her treatments in Chicago. I was tired, freezing, and knew she was too. But before we could go outside, she insisted on spending time looking up at the stars. It was there that she talked about Orion’s Light. In the words of Paul Simon, a vision was planted in my brain. It would take awhile to realize what it was.
Not long after Maureen’s passing in 2015, my friend and musical compadre, Lonnie Knight was recording his CD, PORTALS. He asked me if I had any songs for him to consider for inclusion on the disc. I passed along two…Me and the Moon (which was later recorded by Prudence Johnson) and Orion’s Light. I am forever grateful for Lonnie’s tender treatment of this song. I know he used a baritone guitar to achieve the beautiful warmth of this song, along with his acoustic and bass guitars. Richard Grossman sweetened the track with his subtle percussion.
Sadly, Lonnie passed away seven years after Maureen. I miss them both beyond measure and think of them each time I see a star filled sky…
In memory of Maureen Elizabeth Frawley
4/10/1947 – 4/28/2015
ORION’S LIGHT
Silence, in the early morn
Slowly rising – coffee’s on
She fills the thermos and heading out the door
She’s gone
She takes the back roads for a different view
Straight and narrow is not her style
Don’t try to catch her, she’s just passing through
For awhile
Lost in the longing the wayfarer’s haunting refrain
Splits the day into night
Charting her dreams between starlight and moonbeams
She follows her heart’s delight
And the only guide, is Orion’s light
Fearless, no apologies
Watch her stumble, tumble, fall and rise again
It doesn’t matter, she just rides the wind
Again
Lost in the longing the wayfarer’s haunting refrain
Splits the day into night
Charting her dreams between starlight and moonbeams
She chases her heart’s true delight
And the only guide, is Orion’s light
©Crocus Hill Music 2023