Sparkling Impermanence from Fellow Traveler by Pierce Murphy

Ron Miles, my friend and mentor, passed away in 2022. It was abrupt for those of us not in his immediate circle. And for me, it was a really unmooring moment. I'd looked up to Ron for as long as I could remember, I'd reach out to him when I felt out of sorts or needed advice. And he was always so generous to give it with grace and love. I was working on this song around that same time, its lyrics floating around the idea of life's inherit missability. And then he was gone. So it seemed appropriate to dedicate to him. Thanks for all of it, Ron.

Tracklist

5.	Sparkling Impermanence	4:56

Lyrics

If it was a dream it lingered on so far beyond that
honeysweet imagination
My senses gathered up a moment ancient like an echo
graciously welcoming us home

Do you believe in all the spirits swirling ‘round your bones and
Begging you be joyful, won’t you?
It is a comedy after all and we could fall
Softly into happiness here

You and I were here before
Passing decapitated memories
I hold you like a ghost against my heart
Cool to the touch
Sparkling impermanence

I could chart the tangle of the alleyways from here to home and
Never learn a thing about the ways we
Cross our paths and make our mark and take our chances
Right until the last light fades

You and I were here before
Passing decapitated memories
I hold you like a ghost against my heart
Cool to the touch
Sparkling impermanence

Credits

from Fellow Traveler, released October 7, 2024

License

CC BY 3.0. See the Creative Commons website for details.