Legends, songs and stories are key to our esprit de corps

One of our more interesting and proud moments was being featured on Don Polek's World - Channel 6 Action News.  A few years ago, Don and his camera man showed up on Tuesday of pre-fest.  They went to the Main Gate looking for us, and luckily, one of the Nomads was there. They drove around to the camping side, and created a bit of a sensation - everyone wanted to be featured, interviewed and whatever.  Finally, they arrived at the Oasis, where they shot lots of video, interviewed Anne and Skip, and spent a couple of hours with us.  The final project has aired every year since and we have our 3 minutes of fame.   

With thanks to FireSign Theater... Our Song

OH BLINDING LIGHT, OH LIGHT THAT BLINDS
I CANNOT SEE, LOOK OUT FOR ME

This song is a favorite - we play it every year on Sunday morning at PFF.

MAY THE LIGHT OF LOVE DAVID ROTH

As we come around to take our places at the table,
A moment to remember and reflect upon our wealth.
Here's to loving friends and family, here's to being able,
To gather here together in good company and health.

May we be released from all those feelings that would harm us.
May we have the will to get them up and get them gone
For heavy are the satchels full of anger and false promise
May we have the strength to put them down.

Chorus
May the light of love be shining deep within your spirit
May the Torch of Mercy clear the path and show the way
May the Horn of Plenty sound so everyone can hear it
May the Light of Love be with you every day.

May we wish the best for every one that we encounter.
May we swallow pride and may we do away with fear.
For its only what we do not know, that we have grown afraid of
And only what we do not choose to hear.

Chorus

As we bless our daily bread and drink our days libation
May we be reminded of the lost and wayward soul,
The hungry and the homeless that we have in every nation -
May we fill each empty cup and bowl.

May nothing ever come between or threaten to divide us
May we never take for granted all the gifts that we receive
Being ever mindful of the unseen hands that guide us,
And the miracles that cause us to believe.

Chorus

And with thanks to Longfellow - our favorite poem...

THE NIGHT SHALL BE FILLED WITH MUSIC
AND THE CARES THAT INFEST THE DAY
SHALL FOLD THEIR TENTS LIKE THE ARABS
AND AS SILENTLY SLIP AWAY

And in a moment of bad creativity....     JABBERMOCKY by Anne Smith 

with thanks to Lewis Carrol for the original poem Jabberwocky

Twas Monday and the slimy folk
Did tire and whimper in the sun
All burned out were the peasantry
From having too much fun

Beware the RBC my son*
The cords that pull, the hooks that catch
Beware the hubbubbed nerds and shun
the dangerous coffee klatch.

He took his Leatherman in hand,
Long time the screw eyed bolts he sought
So rested he by the last bungee,
And vegged a while in thought.

And as in uffish thought he stood,
The camping crew with eyes of flame
Came whiffling through the piles of goods
And burbled as they came.

One, two, One two! And through and through
The Leatherman went snicker-snack
He took it down and with a frown
He stuffed it in a sack.

And hast thou torn your campsite down?
Get to your cars, my squeamish boys!
Its Pack Up Day! Callooh! Callay!
So, put away your toys.

Twas Monday and the slimy folk
Did tire and whimper in the sun
All burned out were the peasantry
Yet continuing the fun.

*(rapid bungee contraction)