The busker

My dear Friends
I haven't been too well lately, but I am hoping to do another Concert for Peace and Reconciliation in about three weeks' time. I wanted to tell you about someone who has been a great inspiration to me down the years. i won't tell you her name but just that she is about my age, with fine silvery hair and a black coat, which she wears on her daily busking trips in Cambridge.

Her voice is low, because of her smoking but still fine and clear and she has an enviable range of songs, with quite a lot of Bob Dylan in there. Go away from my window otherwise known as it ain't me babe, is one of her stock in trade. She sings it with a poignancy which brings tears to your eyes.

Her strumming style is much to be envied. I usually use the same technique but hers is varied according to the song and mood of the piece. Blowing in the wind which I do too is in there, and it rings out over the streets of Cambridge and the alleyways where she sings, tucked in between coffee shops.

She varies her pitch and i don't know if this attracts more or less custom but she usually earns enough for coffee and sandwiches and sometimes more. And there is always the satisfaction of knowing that people are listening to the music, even if they don't put money in the hat.

She is a real feature in these parts, going out daily to do her thing. She has been an inspiration and a friend in times of need, sharing a fag and sharing her song-long may it go on.

Shalom from
Sister Gila