Women

A long time ago, near the Northern thumb in a place called Michigan, I helped compose a theatre piece called "I Don't Understand Men; I Don't Understand Women!" That title underpins what has become a lifelong quest -- to understand and illumine the thinking of the sex opposite. Now as days grow shorter I  try to recall all the things learned and forgotten over time. All the mistakes. All the steps made, and the stumbles, and the idiotic trips down the wrong way. Many pacts have been made -- a kind of pool of ideas and judgments has grown to become a virtual tontine, mocking me (at least) to the end.

Talismans of many relationships and near-relationships have made ther way into the pool. The ground underneath is spongy to every footfall. Walking is difficult; secure steps are impossible.

Wondering now if, if...I was the only composer to have missed the clear meaning...the only creator who was left unmade by the experience of that piece. Did other "theatre-makers" also begin the journey at Interlochen and travel through time never finding the perfect answer? The "cogito ergo sum" side of me says "there is no answer." But the heart seeks what it seeks, wants what it wants, and loves what it loves. There is an unflinching tautology hidden within our desire; and that desire guides our too-human steps.