Last year on this date, Orin wrote a thoughtful reflection on the anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
This year, on this date, I (Shannon) have neither the time nor the headspace to write something thoughtful. And yet, it’s my turn for Jesus-Justice-Joy. Soooo…I think for today I just want to try and bring a smile to your face.
A little over a year ago, my daughter, Madeleine, helped me finish a goofy song I was working on, called “Chicken Swing”, which is based on a real product. You’ll find the lyrics below. Enjoy and feel free to share this song with anyone else who might need a pick-me-up today:
And now, the lyrics…
Chicken Swing
Words by Shannon Cerneka.
Music by Madeleine Cerneka and Shannon Cerneka
The time has come for us to be united
to realize our shared humanity
(I know we) sometimes disagree and do so angrily
Do not despair. There’s hope for us, you’ll see
Let me share the story of a woman
Who noticed all her chickens seeming bored
and then she thought, “What can I do for these chickens looking blue
Their listlessness is too grim to ignore
And then it hit her: Chickens crave adventure
Chickens dream of living life with zeal
and so she started tinkering and she built a chicken swing
And in doing so, inspired us to heal, ‘cause
If we can make a chicken swing, we can do anything
Just trust your ingenuity and make the world new with me
If we’re gonna make a chicken smile then I think we’re living in denial
if we think we’ve peaked as human beings.
Someone dreamed a dream, sat down, and made a chicken swing
But if you’re unconvinced, think our world’s beyond repair
think of kittens who were losing all their hair
Oh, those felines sure were sad displays
until someone crafted cat toupees
If we can make a chicken swing, we can do anything
we’ll eradicate all disease once we’re finished with the dog trapeze
we will elevate humanity. But first a bicycle for parakeets
Our future’s bright as it could be
‘cause someone dreamed a dream, sat down, and make a chicken swing
© 2017, Shannon Cerneka and Madeleiene Cerneka