Sonatas VI

Signs of Community

Words by Brendan Quirk

Let us gather, not separate and distance
Our public places, our festivals
These are the “glue”
That holds the community together

We like to see and be seen
It renews our membership in life
Recreation and education
These fulfill our needs

Interaction and mingling
Builds our influence and makes networks
We can be close, private, even in public
Sharing emotional connection

These are the Signs of Community
Each action a signifier
All different, same signified
Indexes of humanity

Exposure
Sonatas VI-1 (exposure)	Sonatas VI-2 (exposure)
No better place to see and be seen Than exposed on the beach in the summer sun We might find the one we seek But caution: “watch your footing”!	Here they meet, to ride the bull Watching each other, they smile and beam They like to show off, it’s good the bull is still They can’t be tossed, safe in their fun
Sonatas VI-3 (exposure)	Sonatas VI-4 (exposure)
We come to drink, talk, and catch up People in chairs, people who stand It may look aimless and dull, but Here a community is formed	A man and his dog, eager to be seen, Come to the fair to be out in the group A boy bends to look, his pose a mirror Unconsciously binds them all together
Sonatas VI-5 (exposure)	Sonatas VI-6 (exposure)
Being seen is not always pleasant fun These fans aren’t interested in hearing her talk Our normal precludes knowing her for her Not a real person; just a product	It’s cool to dance for the band Maybe we can show off Let’s all see who likes our music Communities of fans
Sonatas VI-7 (exposure)
Walking home from the festival Everyone the same, no one left out Who cares who is with who Our group stays together
Recreation
Sonatas VI-8 (recreation)	Sonatas VI-9 (recreation)
Watch the men as they play at toss Very serious, dare not loose The women on the edge look on Will they be allowed to join?	Looks like the men will let her in the game Though her stance seems at odds Who knew that the bean bags Could be so serious?
Sonatas VI-10 (recreation)	Sonatas VI-11 (recreation)
Let’s build a shebang Come, we’ll show you how Join in and learn to stack the beams Someday you might do this for real	Maybe you would like to see the animals Learn all their ways and wills Here at our festival you can do all these things That we have laid out for your delight
Sonatas VI-12 (recreation)	Sonatas VI-13 (recreation)
Listen to our living history Hear how the widow fares Standing in order and attentive Well behaved (but restless!)	Back stage at the festival is “cool” More fun that out front See how the band does its magic Exhilarating to be allowed here!
Sonatas VI-14 (recreation)
Down in front with the group Music weaves a net over all Give yourself over to the moment Together we feel the groove
Interaction
Sonatas VI-15 (interaction)	Sonatas VI-16 (interaction)
Everyone positive in their interactions Having a good time at the festival Here is a “glue” holding us together Signifies a model of the community	Waiting for the customers can be a bit of a bore But the “eccentrics” and “cat ladies” have their crafts Outlets for their talents and artistry There at the fair for all to enjoy
Sonatas VI-17 (interaction)	Sonatas VI-18 (interaction)
In the small place where the miniatures live Quiet little retreat from our big world A tiny community you can take home Model daily interactions at will	United by activity and interest The family and the stranger share a gaze Together they watch the seal at play Feeling each one’s presence at hand
Sonatas VI-19 (interaction)	Sonatas VI-20 (interaction)
Wheeling and dealing at the stamp show A community united in the glow of the find Collecting and organizing nourishes the mind They watch as you come to see the treasures offered	War tamed for modern education Drilling and marching all made easy We should avoid glamorizing war’s tragedies, but Neither should we hide them from our progeny
Together
Sonatas VI-21 (together)	Sonatas VI-22 (together)
Comfortable together, sharing space for all to see We can be private and public at the same time Both worlds can coexist in our community The connections within and throughout	Strolling through the zoo talking Passing those who would turn if they saw Friends caring not who might be watching Secure in their world of fellowship and trust
Sonatas VI-23 (together)	Sonatas VI-24 (together)
Out from work together Strolling for a time Closeness felt warmly Stolen moments on view	Working on health while sharing the day Better to move than to sit Having a companion to help enjoy the run Out in the world together
Sonatas VI-25 (together)	Sonatas VI-26 (together)
Time to go home for all in this space Everyone off alone or in groups The community scatters, but does not dissolve Let’s walk off together into the sunset	This poor animal, alone in the cage Caught by the fence, looking back at freedom Will we degenerate to the unhuman condition? Separate, solitary, and bereft of comfort?