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I recall one of my English professors at Vanderbilt University telling us that Paul Simon might go down as one of the most brilliant poets of the 20th century.

That was in 1970, 54 years ago. She was talking about “Bridge Over Troubled Water” that morning.

Think of all the songs you love that he wrote after 1970.

It’s probably most of them, right? And he’s still writing today.

There’s a documentary about Paul Simon that you need to be aware of called “In Restless Dreams.”

Almost two decades ago, I woke up in Tahoe one morning to discover I had lost the hearing in my right ear, so I understand a bit of the bewilderment and anxiety he experienced.That is probably the only thing we share in common.

Yet, even after this loss, the words and melodies continued to flow as before.

Where they come from is a mystery, even to Paul Simon.

May I recommend an article about him? It’s short and you can read it HERE.

There is always something of the divine involved in beauty and creation.

And God, whatever that word means, is – and always will be – mysterious. That’s something learned with age.

As Simon says, speaking of his internal debate about belief, “Maybe it isn’t supposed to be so easy. Maybe you’re supposed to have an obstacle.”

As Noonan says, ‘Maybe the struggle helps you know what you know in a deeper way.‘

Maybe they’re both right.

In which case I wish you struggles in your daily journey to create something of beauty and meaning to all who hear you.