Long before turns toward Islam, media
accusations of calling for Rushdie’s
death, Cat Stevens offered dear ideas
of peace, lyrics of soft intensity
helping to save my life. Out of a job,
lost as a sparrow under water, wife
and small daughter confused by sudden sobs
erupting from my throat, each day of life
snarling of failure at 28, I’d
slip Teaser and the Firecat from its blue
night-sky cartoon cover, feel soothing tide
of its music flow through me, his voice true
in its chant of hope, words blending with hums,
heart singing about the good things to come.
Roger Armbrust
June 26, 2009
