In his heyday, his heady years of Sixties fame, Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary fame, was known around the world.  The trio composed some memorable songs, one of the most famous was "Puff, the Magic Dragon."  Loosely based on a poem written by one of Yarrow's relatives, who in turn based his poem on an even older poem by Ogden Nash, "Puff" proved to be one of the group's most enduring hits.  Although some suggest that it is in fact about marijuana, Yarrow always denied it.

    No matter.  "Puff" is a fantasy, a story about childhood wonder and intrigue, of youthful adventure and exploration:  the openendedness of existence.  As I contemplate the import of Yarrow's recent passing from bladder cancer at the age of 87, I about "Puff."  Is not the world a fount of adventure and fantasy?

    And I also think about the various eulogies and scripture readings at the funeral of Jimmy Carter yesterday and, in particular, the song performed toward its close:  John Lennon's "Imagine."  Though some might reject "Imagine's" opening words that there is no heaven, none can safely can, I daresay, reject its sentiment of the joy and purpose of human unanimity and equality:  a world in which everyone lives in peace,

    Thanks, Peter Yarrow, and thanks, John Lennon.  And thanks, God, for creating the magnificence of the human being.