Two High

Listen while you read:  Peace.

When you feel the world around you spinning out of control
You can find someone around you to bring you out of the cold
But you don't ever have to hide what you really feel inside

So put 'em up high, two high
We can walk together with our hands up in the sky
So put 'em up tonight
We can come together
We won't give up the fight

Whoa-oh, so put 'em up, put 'em up two high

Sometimes it's hard to tell what we're really living for
Hear the voices calling out from the streets
Singing get ready, get ready for more
Singing get ready, get ready for more now

So put 'em up high, two high
We can walk together with our hands up in the sky
So put 'em up tonight
We can come together
We won't give up the fight

Whoa-oh, so put 'em up, put 'em up two high

Before we're gone, keep holding on

And put 'em up two high . . . 

~  Moon Taxi

If you paid attention to the spelling in the title, you should be able to figure out its meaning. "Two High," a single released by the Nashville band Moon Taxi a few months ago, is about the universal sign for peace. Frontman Trevor Terndrup says that it's "a song about hope. Hope for understanding, hope for acceptance, and hope for our future."

The song was a response to the push for peace that was a by-product of the Women's March in January. "We were inspired by the simple and universal peace sign. It's a gesture we would like to see more of," says Terndrup.

As for me, I have been doing my part. If you've been reading this blog, you probably know by now that I am a tree-hugging, Birkenstock-wearing, bleeding-heart liberal (and proud of it) old hippie. A few years ago, I made a habit of throwing the peace sign at passing cars during my morning walk. Next thing I knew, I was holding up the V whenever I wanted to acknowledge a traffic courtesy issued to me by another motorist. And as the habit became more and more ingrained in my practices, I found myself using it to say hello, goodbye, I love you, and, of course, peace. Does my habit change the world? Of course not. But if it makes one recipient register its intended meaning (not to be confused with Nixon's victory sign), then perhaps the small gesture contributes to a sense of calm and kindness within that person.

If nothing else, it's a lot better than flipping the bird.

So peace to all of you. Always.