Ode to The Dayton Experience - FOT 84 - Hara Arena.

Just a poem and a picture of the Feast of Tabernacles back in 1984. It never hurts to reminisce, to think, and to reflect. The above picture is original art using digital paint software directly from memory (minus the inserted images.). For many a time, I would consistently stare up at that fan - watching it spin and twirl, on and off - looking up at the bright Mercury-Vapor high bay lamps. Watching them warm up after a film was always fascinating to me. From flickers to a deep blue at the start of the final hymn, to nearly fully brightened by the last prayer - they were a reminder of the build up and anticipation of the Feast that was finally there. Strangely, as fast as the lights went out - the feast ended. Quite an appropriate metaphor. So with that, I share a simple poem of those days in the middle 80s at one of the most hated Feast Sites in the entire country - but still, the Feast it was. You had your memories of those days - so you can probably substitute your memories easily in place of mine. 

Reflecting is all a part of healing in the recovery. And though it is distant, and gone - it was a part of our collective past. I acknowledge what was with these words.

'Twas Two Decades And Four
In a Time Long Ago
Ray Meyer's Strong Voice
Will 5,000 Show?
Al Dennis the leader
of songs we all sang
"All together now", he ordered
our voices rang.
The afternoon service
The first day did come
Judd led us together
United as one.
The song hallelujah
the chorus in song
The chorale joined together
we listened along.
As Herbert stepped forward
Applause thundered forth
Well greetings, everybody
We listened for more.
Why are we here? We'd here once again
Two trees, give and get,
two hours till end.
His gestures so strong
nearly fell off his chair
Jowels shaking, loud yelling
Herb's gospel laid bare.
And then its the last song
The lights slowly rise
A prayer and a blessing
How time surely flies!
And with one last amen
a rush to the stairs
And out to dinner
No worries or cares
Back to the hotel
Soon time for bed
Thinking back on these times
Now, NO tears to be shed.
Yet these memories constant
as loud as they are
They're as distant as galaxies
So deep, and so far.