Jerusalem

From the soundtrack to my Dad's favorite movie, "Chariots of Fire." I find it appropriate to post this day as he turns 67 years old.

Happy Birthday Dad!

You'll note that the lyrics are actually taken from the poem at right, originally penned as a preface to Milton by William Blake nearly 200 years ago.

Now set to music, it is a divine and hymn-like song enjoyed by all of Great Britain ... and Anglophiles everywhere like myself!

(I should also mention that throngs of spectators often sing this anthem at rugby union matches in England!!!)

Ode to Father

Paragon of perfection, father dear?
Molded from outlands, hewn from rock cities:
The sinewy heart must take without fear
No lonely nor lowly proximities
To build from not, a sure nobility
And spirit of motivation, ripe life
O'erflowing in limitless, fruited trees;
Is not this the path to eternity
To bear 'midst the raspings of mortal strife
For the pinnacle yet extol the breeze?