Paul Simon is celebrating his 70th birthday today. Just hearing his name, much less his music, stirs up such wonderful memories of my youth. I spent hours hovering over his records as they spun on the turntable, imbibing the glorious harmonies of Scarborough Fair; the tender, brokenhearted lyrics of April Come She Will; the delightful whimsy of The 59th Street Bridge Song-Feeling Groovy. I could go on and on. For many, his songs light up something within us and our souls swell with each beautiful chord, each lovely sentiment.

Oh, how he inspired me to write!  He graciously unlocked the door of his heart so we could see, hear and feel how he experienced life. He created a yearning in me to do the same. In honor of my muse and mentor’s birthday I’d like to share one of my favorite poems. My writing will never deck the Music Hall of Fame or appear on a Best Seller list but for today I’d like my little creation to be a tribute to Paul Simon, who always challenged me to reach greater artistic heights. Thanks, Paul, for sharing your gift!

How Could It Be?

There are so many that I see your face
Why am I blessed to know your sweet grace?
To watch you smile in the blue of the morning
To witness the grandeur of your thunderhead forming
To see you twinkle behind my son’s eyes
And your peace on his face in the night as he lies
How could it be that I have eyes to see
What is hidden from everyone except you and me?

There are so many times that I feel your touch
How could it be that you love me so much?
To feel your caress on my cheek in the breeze
And the wash of your warmth when on bended knees
To feel your presence, so lovely and true
As we sing to your glory and give praise to you
How could it be that I am blessed to feel
The one love in the world that is truly real?

There are so many times that I hear you speak
How is it that I have what wise men seek?
To hear your laugh in a sweet mountain stream
Or your whisper of comfort at night as I dream
To hear you speak when I read your Word
As you share with me mysteries I never have heard
How could it be that I made the choice
That allows me to hear your loving voice?

There are so many times, Lord, that I know you are here
How can I tell all the ways you are dear?
All I can say, Lord, is thank you, my Friend
For making my sorrows all come to an end
For shedding your light on the sad likes of me
And blessing my life with your tender mercy
How could it be that I know the One
The Great I AM, God’s only Son?

-Niki Moran, December 2002