Rap for My Daughter Kerala

Today’s activity had us waking early and out the door by 8:00 am to drive the hour to Palm Canyon, a hike we have often done and sometimes so popular that cars are turned away when the parking lot is full. But having left early enough, there was plenty of space when we arrived and an extra bonus getting out of the car and seeing a bighorn sheep clamber up the rocks. Then off through the canyon and up into the hills where a sign warned: No water. No shade. No cell-phone service. No problem. We were well-stocked with our water bottles, the day was temperate, and the sun never wholly came out. And who needs a cell-phone amidst the marvels of diverse cacti, constant views of rolling hills and mountains, and the comradery of hiking together with your family. 

 

Around mile 6 of the 8-mile hike (my second such distance in a row!), we turned off East Fork trail to Dry Wash trail, a sandy level stretch that reminded me of a walk I took with my daughter Kerala 30 years ago in Australia. We were both trying our hand at freestyle rapping all those years back and having fun trading couplets back and forth. So I began trying some walking the trail and came up with this. No Grammy’s in my near future, but I had fun doing it!

 

Let me tell you a tale, from back in 1995,

When I was 44 and your Mom was 45.

We flew across the ocean and it really was a wonder,

When the family arrived at the Land Down Under.

 

I was there to teach, and we were there to tour,

You and sister Talia, Mom and I, all four.

I taught in Sydney for five days and nights,

Then it was time for us all to see the sights. 

 

Way back then, I was I and you were you,

We were walking on a path right next to Uluru.

The place the white folks stole, and called Ayers Rock

A sacred dreamtime mountain that never knew a clock.

 

And so my little girl, who I once held in my lap.

Was now a teen by my side, singing freestyle rap.

We were having so much fun, a jolly good old time.

Taking turns rapping, and trying to make it rhyme.

 

As a young father, I was worried I would fail ya,

Now here we were together, rappin’ in Australia!

We later traveled there, and then we traveled here.

And finally you were old enough to share a beer. 

 

Still we walk together, and now you’re 45

Both of us grateful that we’re all still alive.

Mom 30 years older, and me 74,

And all of us hoping for many years more. 

 

So glad to share this life and tell about it in this rap.

But today we walked 8 miles, so I think I’ll take a nap!