[JulieRNR21]

I would walk along the streets and think of the old song from The Fantasticks: "Try to remember the kind of September when life was an ember about to billow."

I often thought of that song myself.

Another amazing piece of writing from Noonan! Peggy rarely disappoints!

[lavrenti]

Interesting piece, and hit me deeply personally considering I work five blocks north of GZ and saw things I care never to discuss.

[Flashlight]

..."Try to remember the kind of September when life was an ember about to billow."...

(you replied) I often thought of that song myself...

The Fantasticks is such a great play. Its themes are so universal, you can find yourself often remembering lyrics and quotes from the show. I'll invite you to read the rest of the lyrics to "Try To Remember"; even if you know the song (like me) very well, I think you'll be surprised, and find that there's another line that now seems to mean a lot more this year:

Try to remember the kind of September
When life was slow and oh so mellow
...When grass was green and grain was yellow
...When you were a young and a callow fellow
...if you remember, then follow...

Try to remember when life was so tender
That no one wept except the willow
...That dreams were kept beside your pillow
...That love was an ember about to billow
...if you remember, then follow

Deep in December it's nice to remember
Although you know the snow will follow
...Without a hurt, the heart is hollow
...The fire of September that made you mellow
...our hearts should remember, and follow

Also, just a minor point: Noonan's quote said "life" was an ember, instead of the correct lyric, which is "love".