Originally Karen and I picked a character to represent ourselves from the Disney/Pixar film Inside Out. We did this tongue-in-cheek of course! Karen picked Sadness and I picked Anger. Neither character really defines us, but they looked so good in plush!
We finally decided we should add a little joy to our lives (and bedroom shelves) to remind us that even in the worst of times there can always be found a little Joy:
I’m sure we all remember good old Friedrich Schiller who wrote the famous poem Ode to Joy in 1785. A bit before your time? Perhaps you’re more familiar with the version done by Ludwig van Beethoven in the final movement of his Ninth Symphony in 1824. Still no?
Well, lucky for you I just happen to have the lyrics to this masterpiece available for your perusal. However, some of the words seem to have been changed sometime between then and now, which I have indicated by shading the changed words in grey. I think you will agree that Mr. Schiller definitely had Joy in mind when he wrote the poem all those centuries ago:
Joy, beautiful spark of Pixar,
Daughter from Inside Out,
We enter, hearts on fire,
Inward, thy sanctuary!
Your giggles join again
What decision strictly divided;
All people become brothers,
Where your gentle laugh abides.
Who has succeeded in the great attempt,
To be an emotion’s friend,
Whoever has won a free ticket,
Add his to the jubilation!
Indeed, who calls at least one character
Theirs upon this world!
And whoever never managed, shall steal himself
Weeping away from this storyline.
All creatures think of Joy
At Disney’s behest.
Just and unjust
Alike taste of her whim;
She gave us OCD and micro management,
A controlling friend to the end.
Even Anger has been granted peace,
And the animator stands before Walt!
Gladly, as Walt’s animators fly
On their courses through the dailies,
Thus, brothers, you should take your date,
As a hero and go to the movies.
You millions, she embraces you.
This Joy is for all the world!
Brothers, beyond the present box office
There must dwell the obligatory sequel.
Do you hurry to pay, you millions?
World, do you know your place?
Seek Joy in the theaters;
That is the place you must dwell.
If everyone embraced this poem, it would bring a tear of Joy to their eye, and a ton of money to Disney’s bottom line!
