Hallelujah

Every year, I attempt to summarize the events of the past twelve months in a holiday blog post.  I always fail, of course, but I have fun trying to mold my tale into a particular genre -- always completely ridiculous.

Having already explored the nuances of such classic forms as "Choose Your Own Adventure", "Epic Poem", and "Third Grade Homework Packet", this year I selected a genre that gives the fleeting impression of religiosity and seasonal connotations, while actually having nothing to do with the holidays whatsoever: Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. 

I selected this song because the kids and I have had it stuck in our heads all day, and I'm too lazy to un-stick it.  Also, as Molly pointed out, "I love this song because it's so happy and so sad at the same time." 

Exactly. 

If you're unfamiliar with the tune, may I suggest that before proceeding you enjoy this melodious and impressively a cappella version by Pentatonix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRP8d7hhpoQ
Humming along?  Excellent.  Here you go:

Well you claim there is a secret hoax
Of climate science research folks.
But you don't think grants make us rich, now do you?
Well life goes like this:
From fourth-fifth-sixth to middle school the kids soon lift,
Proud busy mom composing Hallelujah.

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Well the science was strong but I needed fun,
Like hotsprings bathing, midnight sun
The beauty of Alaska overthrew you
When not tied to an office chair
I biked, hiked, skied, roamed everywhere
And from my heart I drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Shakespeare? I’ve been here before
This outdoor stage, spears, props galore.

You know, I had strong Achilles before I knew you

But now I’m bound from calf to arch

And love is not a victory march

It’s helping with my broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Jay pedaled safe again to Nome
But I had to sell my childhood home
A mix of good and bad’s what life brings to you
You’ll find them both in a year like this
Mom’s settled now, and near my sis
We’ll visit soon, and breathe a Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Maybe there’s no broken heart
But all I’ve learned from broken parts
Is how to use the crutches they give to you
With spikes for ice, in the snowy dark
Life’s not a walk in a well-kept park
But in the cold, I’ll still find Hallelujahs

 Hallelujah (etc.)

Happy holidays-of-choice to all.