August 31, 2005 - And Saw Within The Moonlight
I was involved in a pretty strange experience recently. To understand the whole story here's a timeline of the events leading up to it.
My elementary school music teacher let the class listen to the Album "Swithced-on Bach". This album was performed by Walter (later Wendy) Carlos on synthesizers designed by Bob Moog. This leads to my life-long interest in electronic music.
I see someone on TV recite the poem "Abu Ben Adhem"
"Abou Ben Adhem"
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An Angel writing in a book of gold:
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the Presence in the room he said,
"What writest thou?" The Vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"
Replied the Angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerily still; and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one who loves his fellow men."
The Angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,
And, lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest!
-- By Leigh Hunt.
I loved the poem, looked it up and memorized it. I still remember it.
I graduate from highschool and work various factory jobs to enable me to buy synthesizers.
My interest in electronic music prompts me to return to school to get an associates degree in Electrical Engineering.
I graduate and go to work as a printed circuit board designer.
I learn that Bob Moog lives in Asheville and is giving a public lecture. I attend the lecture and afterwards introduce myself. Bob calls me the next day and I wind up designing a few boards for him. This is a very significant event for me since he, indirectly, played a large part in me choosing electronics as a profession.
In addition to electronic music, I start playing music for belly dancers every weekend in Asheville.
Mid-afternoon, Sunday, August 21, 2005 - Preparing for a bellydance music gig, I get the idea to recite "Abu Ben Adhem" with Ishani, the belly dancer, playing the part of the angel. I call her to make see if she has a "book of gold". She does.
Sunday night approximately 10:00pm, August 21, 2005 - We perform Abu Ben Adhem at Hookah Joe's at the start of the second set.
Monday morning, August 22, 2005 - I receive an email from, a co-worker who also did printed circuit design for Bob. The email informs me of Bob's death. I had known he was sick but did not know that it had progressed to that point.
Tuesday afternoon, August 23, 2005 - Barry and I attend Bob's funeral at a synagogue in Asheville. After the rabbi finishes his part, one-by-one he calls the family members up to speak. The first one to speak is Bob's oldest daughter. She says she wanted to start by reciting one of Bob's favorite poems...
...Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream....
When I heard that, I almost passed out. I was standing at the edge of the room. My legs got weak and my vision grew dark. And then I remembered that the email mentioned that Bob died at 2:00 on Sunday and that I had got the idea to do the poem and called Ishani at about 2:00 on that sunday.
I did not know Bob well. After doing the projects for him, I would see him occassionally here and there but we never really hung out or talked about anything much other than electronics.
I'm still trying to understand the significance (if any) of this. The mathematician in me (there used to be one there) says that everything we do, think or say is an opportunity for a coincidence. That would add up to billions, trillions or more opportunities in a lifetime. If some amazing ones didn't come along every once in a while, that would tbe the strange thing. But still, when something like this happens to you, it's hard to be so objectively analytical about it.
I'll just have to think about it for a while...