Great Reunion

Craig Mainprize, an Orillia artist now living in Ottawa, Ontario, held a pop-up art show on Mississauga Street. We attended opening night and were thrilled to reconnect with an old friend whom we hadn’t seen for years. That same night I wrote this song in a sudden burst of happy creativity. After COVID’s lockdowns and the return of social gatherings, this song feels especially relevant.

Great Reunion

Finally together. Long, long time apart
Hard on the spirit. It’s been hard on my heart
But the sad days are ending. Distance being bridged
Handshakes and kisses. Grudges being ditched
It’s a great reunion

So good to see you. Can’t believe you’re here
Just talked about you. I was hoping you’d appear
Then I noticed you standing. I recognized your voice
Come here and hug me. Tell me, how are the boys
It’s a great reunion

Tell me where, tell me where you’ve been
since I last saw you
Tell me what, tell me what you’ve done

Has your life gone the way you hoped
since I last saw you
Tell me how, tell me how it’s gone since then

Give me your number, give me your address
Still can’t believe it. Hey, I love the way you dress
We don’t look much older. Yeah, we’re looking good
Not like some others who now wish they could have been
At this great reunion

Tell me where, tell me where you’ve been
since I last saw you
Tell me what, tell me what you’ve done

Has your life gone the way you hoped
since I last saw you
Tell me how, tell me how it’s gone since then

Finally together. Long, long time apart
Hard on the spirit. It was hard on my heart
But the sad days have ended. Distance has been bridged
Handshakes and kisses. Grudges have been ditched
It’s a great reunion
It’s a great reunion
Yeah, it’s a great reunion
© Peter Slofstra • April 6, 2018
Orillia, Ontario
(After meeting Millie Shilling at Craig Mainprize’s pop-up art show on Mississauga Street)