But September was the inspiration for my favorite ballad of all time. Written in 1938 by Kurt Weill and Maxwell Anderson, for the Broadway show, Knickerbocker Holiday, September Song
tugs at every heartstring I have. Frankly, the verse is a bit corny. I'm sure it has something to do with the story line of the play, which I've never seen, but in reversing the adage "from the ridiculous to the sublime" here are the lyrics of the chorus.
Oh, it's a long, long while from May to December
But the days grow short when you reach September
When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame
One hasn't got time for the waiting game.
Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few
September....November....
And these few precious days I'll spend with you
These precious days I'll spend with you
It's a love song, of course, but I see it as a song of life and love and loss and challenge. And commitment.
This week we have been reminded of the tragic losses of 9/11 when our country was changed forever in the span of a few minutes. Thousands of people left their homes that morning, perhaps with a quick peck on the cheek of a husband or wife or child - or maybe not. Maybe there wasn't time. Maybe there'd been an argument. Maybe the kids were still asleep. Then there were those nagging details of the 10:00 o'clock meeting yet to solve, or what to pick up for dinner on the way home. And don't forget to stop at the cleaners.
I doubt that anyone thought they might not be coming home that night.
You know where this is going, don't you? The days grow short; it's already half-past September.
Don't play the waiting game. We haven't got time for that. Every day is a precious day. I want to live it! How about you?
Teach us to number our days aright
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
