"Amour," Death, and a Song

March 18, 2013 by Roger Gottlieb

Continued from Page 1

Does a song regret ending? As the last notes of the symphony crash into the air and slowly fade, is there some regret from the melody and harmonies whose echoes will soon turn to silence?

Perhaps that is all we are: just a song sung by the universe. Does a song—does my ego—really want to last forever? Thankfully I've grown a bit since I was seven, and now I think not. We—I—will end, and if the song is as sweet as ripe cherries there might be a faint wish from us or others that there be a little more. But if we live with awareness and gratitude, compassion and love, we will face the end of the song with grace, knowing that the composer and performer is not us, but forces vastly larger, more creative, and (almost) infinitely more enduring.

Page: 2 of 2

12/2/2022 9:02:28 PM

Spirituality

Spirituality in an Age of Ecocide

Aging

Death

more at patheos

A Mother’s Love: Reflecting God’s Heart

Michele Gunn

Counting Evangelicals: A Major Online Conference

Philip Jenkins

City where Divine Mercy was born to welcome 5,000 pilgrims

William Hemsworth

Good Catholic Writing April 2026

Mark Wilson

About Roger Gottlieb

Roger S. Gottlieb ([email protected]) is professor of philosophy at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. His newest book is Spirituality: What It Is and Why It Matters.

Patheos Logo Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Subscription Support Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In

Follow Patheos