The Cape

He’s one of those who knows that life 
Is just a leap of faith 
Spread your arms and hold you breath 
Always trust your cape

Chorus from “The Cape”, by Guy Clark

It arrived in the Christmas box from my brother and his wife. Inside, under tissue paper, was an apron, knitted in soft purple yarn, with a fluffy white trim. Holding its softness between my fingers, I was amazed anyone could make something with such precision, all those knitted stitches in perfect rows, using only their hands. I imagined Rochelle’s small hands as she made it, moving fast, those needles flashing in the light.

I thought, my heart swelling, of the first day I met her at my brother’s college graduation, almost twenty-five years ago, and what a privilege it is to have this woman love my daughter enough to make her something beautiful with her hands.

Emerson, thrilled, proceeded to make cornbread the day after Christmas, wearing her apron proudly, standing on a chair in my kitchen.

Yesterday was Rochelle’s birthday. Emerson asked me to take her photo wearing her apron and saying “happy birthday” to her aunt. I posted it on Rochelle’s Facebook page.

An hour or so later, a quick note from Rochelle. “Actually, it’s a cape.”

Emerson was still wearing it, clearing the table after dinner. I untied it from around her waist. I wrapped it around her shoulders. Oh, yes, it was so obviously a cape. I took another photo. We all had a good laugh.

But it gave me pause.

Because, really, it’s sort of interesting that Emerson and I immediately thought of something practical. An apron. Aprons are good. They protect your clothes. They are useful to wipe your hands upon. But why not a cape? Capes dress up a pair of jeans. They go with beautiful ball gowns over creamy shoulders. They keep you warm on a snowy day. Powerful people wear capes: princesses and opera singers and super heroes.

Then, Emerson flew around the living room, wearing her beautiful cape. “Never fear, Emerboo is here,” she shouted.

Capes are magical. They make you fly.

I have to wonder, what else am I looking at the wrong way? What about you? What is your apron, when turned the other way, is actually a magical cape? Why not choose magic instead of practical just this once? Why not see yourself as a superhero and tackle whatever your big dream is, wearing your symbolic cape? Would it, could it, give you a leap of faith?

I leave you with one my favorite songs of all time. It’s written by Guy Clark, genius songwriter. It’s even better when you hear him or Rodney Crowell sing it.

The Cape

by Guy Clark