Loreena McKennitt, the quintessential former resident of the New Bedlam area. Seriously…she was born and raised in one of the towns New Bedlam is based on. I met her once, mumbled something that sounded like “urghle”, shook her hand. I’m sure she thought I was an idiot. I have a signed picture, and a signed CD, both courtesy dear friends who manage to get to the concerts and signings. In fact, to get the CD they journeyed into the city during one of the worst storms ever.

I love them, too.

Recently, my favorite Loreena song has been Dante’s Prayer. The words remind me of eight weeks spent being blissfully, gloriously happy – and the resulting shattering sadness that ended it. It was a happy sad, if that makes any sense at all.

Dante’s Prayer – Loreena McKennitt

When the dark wood fell before me
And all the paths were overgrown
When the priests of pride say there is no other way
I tilled the sorrows of stone

I did not believe because I could not see
Though you came to me in the night
When the dawn seemed forever lost
You showed me your love in the light of the stars

Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me

Then the mountain rose before me
By the deep well of desire
From the fountain of forgiveness
Beyond the ice and the fire

Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me

Though we share this humble path, alone
How fragile is the heart
Oh give these clay feet wings to fly
To touch the face of the stars

Breathe life into this feeble heart
Lift this mortal veil of fear
Take these crumbled hopes, etched with tears
We’ll rise above these earthly cares

Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me…