The New Jerusalem

Dear Ms. Simon,

I teach 8th grade English in Cabot, Arkansas. When I announced that our poetry unit was about to begin, every kid groaned. They have poetry-phobia, because they don't understand the symbolism, so I took a different approach.

I took the lyrics to one of your songs, Let the River Run, told them that there weren't right or wrong answers to the symbolism, and put them in groups of three - one right brainer, one left brainer, and one in the middle. They read through the lyrics three times in silence, jotting down ideas as they came. After three readings, the groups discussed.

These kids got fantastic ideas from your piece. And, whether their meanings were right or wrong, each kid made the lines meaningful to him or her. One group said that it was about September 11, 2001, and the rebuilding of a damaged nation and a damaged city. One group thought it was about the holocaust and the Jewish people rebuilding their lives after the camps were liberated. One group thought that it was a "call-to-arms" for human beings to rise above fear and make their individual dreams come true. The ideas go on and on...

If I wrote poetry or lyrics, I would want to know if my writing was meaningful to a room full of mixed-up teenagers in the middle of Arkansas, so I'm writing to let you know that it was. It was meaningful in about 30 different ways, but it was very definitely meaningful. Some kids have asked if they could write you and send their ideas, but I didn't have an address. I found this, though, so I thought I'd write on behalf of my children.

If you're ever near Arkansas, you have an open invitation to a poetry discussion. Many thanks on heartfelt thoughts. Sincerely, Amy McFarland - Cabot, AR

Fascinating.
I can see that the word: Jerusalem really made some of the kids take it very literally. I can see why.
Tell them Walt Whitman had a lot to do with it. Also that I wanted to write a hymn to NY with a contemporary jungle beat under it, so as to juxtapose those opposites in a compelling way. It was written specifically for the movie Working Girl. How very nice and flattering that you chose my song to discuss and examine. With love, Carly - 2/19/05

Writing For Children

Dear Carly,

My children are looking forward to seeing the Heffalump movie and my dear husband and I are anticipating what you will do next for us adults. You are able to communicate so wonderfully to the hearts of us adults through beautiful and honest music, and be able write songs and stories for children so wonderfully. You are truly gifted.

When writing for children do you go about finding inspiration in a different way from when you would when writing for adults? Which do you find easier to write for, children or adults?

Hope the Heffalump movie brings you all the success in the world.
With Love, Debbie Bragonier - Housten, TX

Dear Debbie,

I love both. When I write for kids, it's more for the young adult brain they are soon to become. Also for the parents who might be watching with them. I can easily identify with both, very simply because I am both. It's like having a chest voice and a head voice. Maybe there 's a break somewhere, but both are as one if you just let it integrate.

Does that answer your question? I hope so. I hope I did it justice, because it is a very good question.
Love, Carly - 2/15/05

Comforting Music & Thoughts

Dear Ms. Simon,

I have been a fan of your music since 1970. I often use it to take the edge off a "sharp" day.

I have often wondered if a person like you (who has brought so much joy and tranquility to this planet) ever finds comfort in this knowledge on a bad late night?

Thank you for all the comforting music. Hal Tippins - Mobile, Alabama

Dear Hal,

I find great comfort in your name (Hal Tippins). Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I'll have to run into a bad late night and really try for the comfort which you dearly say I deserve.
Thank you. Carly - 2/12/05