Bridge the Distance
Bridge The Distance
Make what you can
from what you got
build a bridge
where you have not
Do what you can
with what you got
build a bridge
where you have not
Find what you can
in what you got
build a bridge
where you have not
Do what you want
with what you get
build a bridge
where none have yet
See what there is
from where you stand
build a bridge
when you can
Do what you can
with what you got
build a bridge
where you have not
These are the lyrics to a song constructed by me and a group of friends a long time ago.
Those friends are Cary Schoeppach, Andy Robinson, and Reg Shrader.
Many years before this the legendary Julius "Groucho" Marx made a statement which has been slightly obscured by history as far as its exact quotation.
He indicated that he did not want to be a member of any club that was foolish enough to allow him to be a member, or something to that effect.
Words to live by, even if one is a clown.
However, there are a few groups that I am proud to be aligned with such as the Musician's Union (UPM local 518).
That membership helped to inspire me to join the CUPE protest in Kingston, Ontario.
While circling the office of the MP and carrying my "I Support Education Workers" sign I saw and heard members of other unions: steelworkers, electrical workers, public service employees, and others.
It is astonishing and frustrating that there are continual "fights" with "governments" over topics and issues relating to human rights, environmental protection, and representative transparency.
In the "what if" category: Maybe people can cooperate rather than compete for their place(s) in the social fabric?
Maybe people can understand that every system of belief, including the lack thereof, is a position that we must respect and acknowledge.
Of course, some people are just weird and they dress funny and their food smells bizarre and the words they use must be some secret code . . . but that's got to be "ok".
Just that: ok.
We do not have the personal responsibility of saving the world any more than we can contribute as individuals.
To exceed that expectation leads to madness.
Those who build bridges do so that others may also make the crossing when the project is complete.
Helping others with an emphasis on giving rather than getting is a way to generate goodness.
There are those that will cross these bridges and set fire to them once they have made their way.
To accept and acknowledge that unfortunate possibility is a healthy reminder that there will always be something to do, together and for each other.