Blades of Grass

I have discovered that I have a unique talent. It isn’t so special because I have this great ability. It’s just that most people don’t think of doing it, and even if they do, they have better things to do.

I can play tunes on blades of grass. Many can make a squawking noise, but I can do better than that. You can follow the song that play.

My big test came a few years ago when I was in a church talent show. They decided that I would open the whole thing with O Canada, our national anthem. The big question was whether the crowd would recognize it. By the third note everybody was standing at attention. I’m debating whether to send my audition tape into the Toronto Blue Jays. I can play The Star Spangled Banner, too.

Playing actual tunes takes patience and practice. There are some difficulties, too.

To start, it is a seasonal instrument in Canada. You can’t find any grass when there is snow on the ground.

Secondly, I have allergies to grass. I know how it feels to suffer for my art.

Then there is the problem of cuts on your lips. These can be very painful. Fortunately I have somebody around who can kiss it better. In fact, I sometimes fake the injury for a bit of affection.

Finally, you have to choose your grass wisely. Picking some next to trees close to where dogs like to run is not a good idea.

On my journey towards virtuosity, I have discovered that blades of grass are all very similar, but every one is unique. As the master, I must adapt to the thickness and stiffness of each one, placing the blade delicately between my thumbs. Then I have to tune up, similar to musicians in an orchestra to get a feel for my instrument.

Aren’t we all like blades of grass? While similar, we have our own pitch. To emit a sweet sound, we have to be held just so and the right amount of wind must pass over us. Some will grab us and emit a loud objectionable sound. Others will not have the patience to practise. However, under the master’s touch, a sweet song will come from our spirits.

Similarly, we should treat others in a similar way. It is not about our grabbing the grass and making a noise. We have to seek out the character gently with our hands and blow just right. We are having communion with the grass. We are seeking the harmony and beautiful sound something very ordinary can make. Our role is making it special.

What is my favourite tune to play? Why The Green, Green Grass of Home, of course!