Inspiration can come from the strangest places. Paul Simon was reading a Chinese menu when he saw “Mother and Child Reunion” … yes… Chicken Egg Foo Yung. A little Chinese humor. He took that inspiration and added his grief from the death of his dog, and contemplating the loss he would feel if his first wife, Peggy, died. The result was this beautiful song with deep and diverse meaning for millions since it was released in 1972.
Now, hundreds of millions of mothers and children across the world have been separated for months due to Covid virus social distancing. Attempting to keep each other safe.
I just can’t believe it’s so
Though it seems strange to say
I never been laid so low
In such a mysterious way
And the course of a lifetime runs
Over and over again
On this strange and mournful day
When the mother and child reunion
Is only a motion away
Certainly you have heard it. Few people have not. Give it a listen again. Or for the first time. Gives me chills. Sadness and hope. Is only a motion away.