The musical “Hair” opened in 1968 on Broadway in New York City.  In 1979 the film version came out.

The photo shows Cheryl Barnes singing “Easy To Be Hard” in the movie.  It’s my favourite “Hair” song.  Here are some of the words:

How can people be so heartless?
How can people be so cruel?
Easy to be hard
Easy to be cold

How can people have no feelings?
How can they ignore their friends?
Easy to be proud
Easy to say no

Especially people who care about strangers
Who care about evil and social injustice
Do you only care about the bleeding crowd?
How about a needy friend?
I need a friend

The words hurt me way back then … and they hurt me today.  I woke up this morning with Canadian names on my lips, friends whom I said goodbye to when I crossed the ocean eighteen months ago.

I didn’t intend to be cruel, but I was.  I responded to their e-mails but perhaps not once did I initiate contact.  “I’m busy with my new life” was what I seemed to be saying.  And I was busy – still am – with all it’s taken to become a Belgian resident.  But that shouldn’t be the end of the story.

I woke up today sad and embarrassed.  “Especially people who care about strangers” sounds like me.  I haven’t been a good friend since leaving Canada’s shores.

I wrote all six of them this morning … telling the truth and seeking a renewal of our connection.  So far one of them has replied, so pleased to hear from me.  I told her that I intend to visit Eastern Canada next Spring.  I will visit.  We will hug.

May the other five human beings also be in my face-to-face future.  They all deserve my kindness.  No one should be left out.