Peace Train

[theworm[$]]

Since September 11th I find it very hard to drag myself away from the television. Friday night, like millions of others worldwide, I watched the September 11th Telethon. I was surprised and moved to see Mohammed Ali speak about peace and about the Muslim religion. It made me think of another Muslim, Yusef Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens. I love Cat Stevens' music, and I think that one of his songs is particularly relevant now:

PEACE TRAIN
" ...Now I've been crying lately, thinking about the world as it is.
Why must we go on hating? Why can't we live in bliss?
Cause out on the edge of darkness there rides a peace train.
Oh peace train take this country, come take me home again. "

I know that our country will mourn, and will somehow heal from this disaster. I know that we are looking forward to more trying times. I am comforted by the outpouring of brotherhood and patriotism that I see, but I worry about growing hatred and prejudices. We are at war with terrorism - let's not be confused about who is our enemy.

This song comforts me; I just wanted to share it.

[frazzledspice]

I have been thinking about Cat Stevens, too, theworm.

He still practices Islam, lives (I think) in Spain, and has six children. He apparently has recently come out with another album.

I always felt an affinity to Cat Stevens, since we were born on exactly the same day in time, and because I, too, am a musician.

And I was glad that Muhammed Ali, who is such a great humanitarian, spoke at the telethon to give those who might have doubts a more balanced view of Islam and its people.