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Caddo
Country
by - Dorothy Grant
It is said that music hath charms that soothe the savage breast.
This has been misquoted as soothing a "savage beast". Whether
it does or not, music can communicate just as strong a message
as any book As an art form, music speaks as loudly as a good
painting. The "music" of a summer night on the lake, in the
woods or even just sitting outside after dark can be a memorable
experience. The only thing-most folks are glued to the TV
and miss some of the most extraordinary sounds, those of the
cicadas, crickets, owls, whippoorwills and even a passing
train in the distance. With a little practice, a person can
mimic the sound of an owl so well the owl will answer and
fly closer to investigate.
The "nocturnal symphony" anywhere near Caddo Lake leaves a
lasting impression to anyone fortunate to experience it. It
begins with a few cicadas and crickets, quietly setting the
stage shortly after dusk. Soon the frogs add their bass sounds.
The blended sounds increase in volume until it seems the Invisible
Conductor waves the magical wand to soften the melody, and
the symphony softens for just a few seconds. Then, all at
once, "someone" kicks off another round that reaches a feverish
pitch, only to soften again. Amazing! This goes on all night!
Whatever time you go outside during the night, this rare routine
is underway. A similar concert occurs in wooded areas, but
somehow the sounds are amplified and carry so well over water.
And too, maybe there are more musical critters around water!
Manmade
music via radio, CD or cassette can also bring a lot of pleasure.
Many times it also touches a special spot within—think of
favorite classical pieces, love songs, hymns, gospel songs,
country, toe tapping dance tunes that are remindful of teenage
years, and especially children’s tunes taught from an early
age. This writer is not too familiar with the current trends
in music. It doesn’t sound too "soothing".
There is a tune, "Uncertain, Texas", that has a melody and
lyrics that make for smiles! It was used in the movie "Soggy
Bottom USA". It was difficult to get a cassette with that
tune, but it is available by artist Guy Clark and well worth
it. There is another tune on the same cassette, " Homegrown
Tomatoes" that will speak to your heart especially since this
is the time of year when homegrown tomatoes are just coming
in! Hours spent listening to good "music" is time well spent.
It might fall into the same category as the old saying "God
does not deduct from man’s life those hours spent fishing".
Listening to good music definitely lifts your spirits!
If you’re ever ‘round the river, drop in!
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