THE FLOWER OF THE POCHOTE ...DR. OSCAR ARIAS SANCHEZ

November 24, 2008 . HARMONY MUSIC SCHOOL . POCHOTE

'' I am at a loss of words to describe how moved I felt upon learning of the existence of the Harmony Conservatory on Playa Pochote. The idea of children and youths making their way through the dusty streets, mangroves and fields, by foot or boat, bicycle or horse-back, to attend a school where they may learn to play a musical instrument, practice a sport, or make a painting, filled me with faith in the human spirit. Sometimes the most beautiful flowers grow in the deepest place of the forest, where the trees are thick with thorns.

It is curious that this school be located precisely in Playa Pochote. The pochote tree has always attracted my attention because of its aggressive, thorny bark. It would seem that the pochote tree would scorn the things around it, and would not allow other living things to climb amongst its branches. The thorns that grow on its trunk make me think of the kind of life many of these youths have had to face, a life in where poverty, lack of opportunities and frustration would cause thorns to grow around their hearts, causing them to push away others and build their own separate worlds filled with resentment and pain, like pochote trees that grow side by side without ever touching.,

But if we look beyond the thorny trunk, we will see the birds and squirrels that nest in its branches, the flowers in summer bloom, and the wind that plays amongst its boughs. Then we will see that life is possible despite the thorns, that if we but climb a bit higher and reach a little further, we will find a better reality.

This is what the teachers of the Conservatory have accomplished. They have planted a pochote flower in the hearts of the children. They have brought beauty, joy, life and enthusiasm to a town that is already much different than a few short years ago. They have looked beyond the circumstances, beyond the obstacles. That is the difference between average people and dreamers: most people see the world only as it is, while some see it as it could be. And who can help but dream in the presence of Art?

Even from the estuary that at this beach meets the Pacific, one can envision the contours of the Danube described by Strauss in his waltz. Even the tide pools and eddies evoke Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and in the exotic flowers and verdant colors of the tropical summer, one can almost hear the notes of Vivaldi's Primavera. To be acquainted with the Arts is to live in all places, in all ages and cultures, in all societies and social stratus. Who knows art, knows no limitation other than their own imagination, they blossom beautifully despite the thorns and the obstacles.

The more boys and girls get the chance to softly lay their cheek to a violin; the more parents be filled with pride to watch their children playing in an orchestra; the more youths that can experience the discipline involved in art, as well as it miracles, the future of the country will be more just and filled with hope for all."