And now I’m glad I didn’t know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
If we’d only known how the king would fall
Hey who’s to say we might have changed it all
Guess our lives are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain..
But I’d of had to miss the dance
– Garth Brooks
It’s impossible to explain in rational terms the devastation done to our souls having lived through the Peoples Temple experience. Although the basic facts try to present a picture of what happened, these facts can never begin to address the emotional issues of why it all happened. Maybe there will never be a justifiable explanation for us to come to terms with our own personal grief as individuals.
It seems like there will always be a market for tyrants in this world. The fuel that sustains them are those of us who need someone to reassure us we’re okay – who will take emotional care of us, who will make decisions for us – while slowly taking over our lives with lies.
I’m not trying to over simplify the tragedy that happened at Jonestown. However, over all the years, I’ve had to look at my own life and at what drives me, and I’ve come to some powerful conclusions about my own personal reality. I’m hoping that all of mankind has benefited from all of the lessons we’ve lived through. Love is more than just another word. “The world is changing… will you”
I’ve got 40 years of loving memories of my Dad, Mom and Sister – Jack, Rheaviana and Ellie – and all the friends and families I knew. I wouldn’t trade those memories of the time I spent with them for anything in the world. In some small way, I hope I’ve been able to contribute some positive memories to all of us that are still left here learning.
In closing, I’d like to give you a song I wrote for all of the survivors:
The Answer
Lost in Life’s moments … You’ve been looking so long
Years fly like bullets … You turn around and they’re gone
I wish you could find … How to make dreams come true
Just Look deep inside … I’ve got a secret for youLove is the answer … So what about you
Are you ready to find it … And let go of your blues
You’re never alone … there’s a way to get thru
Love is the answer … And it’s all up to youTo have what you want … what would take
It’s there for the asking … Don’t be sorry and wait
Cause’ time keeps on ticking … Right here on earth
If you don’t find it now … Tell me what was it worthLove is the answer … So what about you
Are you ready to find it … And let go of your blues
You’re never alone … there’s a way to get thru
Love is the answer … And it’s all up to youLove is The Answer … So what about you
River Dog Music
© BMI 2016
(Jack Arnold Beam’s collection of writings for this site may be found here.)