A Song of Observations
A Cultural Commentary
We were heading east on Interstate 88 about to enter Chicago. The sun was lying low in the sky behind us. The traffic was slowing to a halt. Then, just outside my passenger side window, a sudden flash of light caught my eye. I turned to see what it might be. I discovered a small, white cross no more than three feet high nestled on a grassy hillside. The light from that cross was blinding thanks to the setting rays of the sun and its angle in the western sky.
As you drive along the highways and byways of the Midwest, you’ll often see similar crosses. Some are painted and decorated with colorful plastic flowers, others are rough and made by hand with wood, and others are made with tree branches. People want us to remember. Remember their loved ones. Remember to slow down. Remember to pay attention. They serve as a reminder of what is the fate of every man, woman, and child. Life is short and you never know what the day will bring. I think of the intensity of the act of pounding a cross into the roadside ditch, hillside, or intersection. I can’t imagine myself doing the same. You see it, say a prayer, and try to put it out of your mind.
I Googled “crosses along the highway” and discovered the following: “In the 1940s and 1950s, the Arizona Highway Patrol began using white crosses to mark the site of fatal car accidents. This practice was continued by families of road-crash victims after it had been abandoned by the police.” Interesting - grim nonetheless.
After seeing the bright white cross, I dug through my untidy purse to find paper and something to write with. Every time I saw a cross, I wrote it down. I realized there are many things we see, but don’t really see in our day-to-day lives. Crosses might be one of them.
What do they symbolize for you? I realize it means different things to different people.
From these observations came a song titled “A Cross on a Hill.” It’s a bit of a commentary and felt especially appropriate to share in light of Easter this past weekend. I hope you enjoy the video I created to accompany the music and lyrics. Two friends of mine assisted—Dan Towey with the audio, and Kirk Monson with the video. Many thanks to them for their kindhearted contributions.
A Cross on a Hill Words and music by Carol Montag All on a grassy hillside Shining in the sun A cross was standing to remind everyone But no one seemed to notice They just hurried by But I could not quite catch my breath When that cross caught my eye Crosses on the highway Of someone’s grief and pain Crosses just for fashion Hanging from a chain Crosses that are tattooed On the hungry skin Crosses at the free throw line Praying this one will go in Crosses from a spray can On the interstate Crosses raised up in the night Crosses burned with hate Some don’t know the story Some know and mock Him still Only a fool would see the glory Of a cross on a hill Crosses on the steeples High above the town Crosses still and peaceful Like the Lamb who wore the crown Crosses in the pocket Of a soldier in the field Crosses made upon the breast Of the faithful as they kneel Crosses at the mission Crosses at the graves Crosses lit in neon shining Jesus saves Some don’t know the story Some know and mock Him still Only a fool would see the glory Of a cross on a hill
got a lump in my throat.
Fantastic!