Vortex
MUSIC Information:
- The Wonders of Music
- C Major/A Minor
- 48 Measures
- Cello and Piano
- 3:16
- 4 Pages
“IF the story is true, then, God should've made humans in the image of dogs, NOT in his own image. I reckon, it could have worked out better for all of us."
VORTEX
There is a certain innocence about animals, If you look into their eyes, you may realize they know the secret of life - such is the claim. And yet, when we speak of dogs in particular, surely we can agree that they can be more gracious than some people, friendlier than most mortals, and, overall, better equip to pledge loyalty than all humans.
I am fifty-two years old, and I have never been the proud owner of a dog. Yet four years ago, I had the great fortune of meeting William—and, with him, his two dogs, Major and Vortex. It was through William that Vortex entered my life, carrying with her that tender presence animals possess, the kind that seems to know the secret of life without ever speaking it aloud. From the very first moment, the connection between us was instantaneous: difficult to analyze, impossible to explain, all the same undeniably real.
BLACK TONGUE
In my life, I have never felt the need to own a dog in the same way some people do. What I did come to realize, however, was the unquestionable happiness that entered my life whenever Vortex interacted with me. Being around a dog was unfamiliar to me - let alone taking care of one - but I did attend to her needs, and for the last three years of her life, she followed me everywhere.
I didn't know how to behave in a house where a dog lived, so it is fair to say she “adopted” me instead. It may sound tiresome, I know, but I learned how to take care of her all the same. Somewhere along the way, we formed a silent pact - sealed by presence rather than intention, a pact understood completely without explanation. With her gentle manners and friendly disposition, I simply couldn't say NO to that beautiful black-tongue creature.
JUST HUMANS
There were omissions and misinterpretations along the way. I was surprise to learned that Vortex didn't seem to judge me for my lack of patience when I failed to understand her signals, for my my shortage of energy at the end of a long day, or for my absence of time due to work. Gradually, it became clear to me that this is part of every dog's nature. Let me repeat that: DOGS DO NOT JUDGE. Regardless of the circumstances, they simply and unconditionally embrace you.
Unlike Humans, dogs do not care about gender, religion, race, social status, age, language, nationality. Dog owners are spared much of the bullshit and inconsistencies they might otherwise encounter with their fellow humans, and it is no wonder people are so devoted to dogs. As Marylin Monroe once noted, "dogs never bite me, just humans", a reminder of a dog's affection often outshines the complications of human interaction.
RAINY DAY
I had never imagined that I'd experience the kindest, deepest, and most sincere companionship from a dog, offered in exchange for little more than food, water, treats and walks. It felt like a good bargain. Vortex brought into my life a new awareness - a kind of perception that made me accept humbly my humanity. However, all good things come to an end, such is life.
The day it was decided she could no longer endure more suffering caused by a cruel cancer in her bones, my heart broke into a million pieces. There are no right answers to pain and distress, yet, under those circumstances, a bitter-sweet solace emerged. The knowledge that her agony would end, even at the cost of her life, was both merciful and devastating. I cried inconsolably, and it felt as though my own existence had come to an end on that fucking miserable, rainy day.
IT DOES
I've composed a piece of music that was inspired by the happiness Vortex brought into my life, while also acknowledging the grief I felt when she was gone. Written in C Major, the work captures an specific moment - when unwanted events arrive without provocation and push me off balance, reaffirming my understanding that life can be vicious. Although, it also carries the knowledge that it will always, somehow, gets better. And it does.
While listening to - or playing - this piece, I invite you to reflect on the immeasurable contribution animals make to the world we inhabit. In the natural order of things, killing seems a casual affair. But unlike humans, animals do not seem to abused their instincts nor exploit their environment. And when we pay close enough attention, we began to see that animals do, indeed, know the secret of life.