Life in the Rearview Mirror (Words on the Wing IV)

In the fourth book in this series, the setting is the past, and passion – pursued or perceived, lost or lamented – is the theme. The lyrics to these fourteen songs include reflections about a world traveled, farewells, homecomings, and encounters – both erotic and nostalgic. Convincing arguments to why we’re all part of the push-and-pulling act are presented. There are goodbyes to affairs ended, and departures to exotic places. And there’s a cinnamon girl with a voice that can carry the roof of a cathedral. On the humorous side, you’ll find Sunny Afternoon Revisited, a different take on the great Ray Davies’ classic. Here it has become the complaints of a self-pitying British snob who finds his playboy life challenged by bankruptcy. Nevertheless, in wry and witty observations made from different angles in life, the work that perhaps delivers the most impact is the lengthy piece about the Master Plan that humanity is subject to. Its world-weary claim is that “the future has, as rule of thumb, a discouraging curriculum”. Considering that this collection is a review of the past, it’s a line that carries considerable weight. You, on the other hand, have some extraordinary reading to look forward to.