A Letter From Annie Londonderry’s Granddaughter

Dear Evalyn Parry,

My grandmother was Annie Londonderry

My cousin Peter sent me your CD.

I have just finished listening to your ballad about Annie,

And I want to tell you what it did for me.

 

I had a loving relationship with my grandmother.

She died when I was sixteen.  But unfortunately for her children,

the repercussions of her exploits were not always of a positive nature,

and until today, I have struggled to be free:

of resentment at the impact of her journey on my family.

 

But they say not to give up on anything, as one might miss the miracle

They say not to give up on anything: one might miss the miracle

They say not to give up on anything: one might miss the miracle,

They say not to give up anything

 

Sure enough your Ballad about Annie made me realize, finally

the significance of her journey to the future emancipation of women

(Until today, I have struggled to be free)

 

The universe clearly moves forward with its own priorities.

And I am grateful to you for this opportunity to learn that it is NOT JUST ABOUT ME.

 

They say not to give up on anything, as one might miss the miracle

They say not to give up on anything: one might miss the miracle

They say not to give up on anything: one might miss the miracle,

They say not to give up anything

 

They say not to give up on anything, as one might miss the miracle

They say not to give up on anything: one might miss the miracle

They say not to give up on anything: one might miss the miracle,

They say not to give up anything

 

Sincerely and Gratefully,

 

Mary

 

c   evalyn parry SOCAN, 2013 / music by evalyn parry, words adapted from a letter from Mary Goldiner