Peter Yarrow and Puff the Magic Dragon: Full Circle
There are few out there that can have and maintain the continuing magic of Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary) and Puff the Magic Dragon. Fittingly, in this, my 99th written installment is about one of the biggest supporters of the 99% movement. Peter offers viewpoints on the Occupy movement, the moral and political state of our country, today’s music, children’s education as well as protecting their moral compass and what a magic dragon named Puff has been up to these days in his wonderful land called Honali.
Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, my readers… I give you a great conversation with a legend named Peter Yarrow.
“Children are the reason why we went from being a nation of smokers to a nation of people who stopped smoking,” Peter said, “Children are the reason why we went from a nation of drivers who didn’t wear seat-belts to a nation of people who wear them.”
These words were spoken by Peter at one point during our conversation as we had dinner at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, CA on November 15, 2011. Peter passionately conveyed the importance of children, their education and the magical power that children have to encourage us to do well. To do well, not just for them, but for ourselves and for our country.
When hearing those words spoken by anyone and to see the stars in Peter’s eyes as he talks about his devotion to making things better in our country for children, it’s no small wonder the impact that he seems to have on children. It’s really quite magical, much like the dragon that he sings about.
Earlier that day, Peter had made an appearance at a very special bookstore that dedicates itself to fine children’s literature. It’s called Hicklebee’s, and is also located in San Jose, CA. Following that, he appeared at another event where he also met with children and signed books.
Upon walking in, the first thing that anyone would notice is a stage full of children and a familiar face sitting right in the middle with a guitar ready to deliver some transcending sounds at a moment’s notice. There were stars in Peter’s eyes, he was truly in his element; the kids loved him, it was as though he were the physical real-life embodiment of Puff the Magic Dragon.
They sang that timeless and wonderful song of positivity, friendship, and love. The room was filled with it and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. This is what Peter has spent his life giving us through music and the story of a boy, a magic dragon and the values of love and friendship. To say that gazing upon a beautifully innocent moment such as this is exceptional or ineffable scarcely does it justice… There is no proper articulation.
Continued on the next page
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