Tales Told, One by One

Here am I

Yet another goodbye

He says "adios", says "adios"

And do you know why

She won't break down and cry?

She says "Adios", says "Adios, goodbye"

One by one my leaves fall

One by one my tales are told...

-- "One by One", Enya

Certainly, the penultimate post of the year is directed to the discussion of a song (not necessarily related to Pokémon) that would be representative of Pokémon feelings and experiences throughout the year, whether my own or others. It's also by an artist that I like very much and whose songs occasionally - OK, by now often - crop up on this blog, though not on this day, so there is the consideration of that for inclusion. Now, the sentiments of this year could be considered to have been pretty much described by how the "yearly theme" of this year played out, but that doesn't mean that it can't be complemented by a song, and this song fits the deal. It may also be considered to fit Pokémon experiences in general, and that becomes another side to the song.

The inspiration for this song, according to the artist's commentary, is taken from four tales of love that transpire and end in different ways. Fittingly, the song has four verses with different "outcomes" for the lovers that are mentioned in each verse. The first verse is the verse that's quoted above, owing to its appropriateness with the current situation. Yet when considered, the fourth verse seems to be also appropriate, as it could be considered the antithesis or response to the first verse. If there's an overall message that could be gained from all four verses and "stories", it may be that different times beget different ways of approaching love, and each one is revealed as time goes by.

As for how this relates to Pokémon, especially this year's happenings, the "goodbyes" of this year are already evident, as stated. But then there are "aspirations" - as illustrated in the second verse - contained in things like the TCGL, which might develop given the right ways. The third verse could be illustrative of "perseverance", and this is rather applicable to the pursuits of those in Pokémon Go and Unite, especially amidst unexpected surprises and/or challenges. Lastly, the song may illustrate "continuity" (particularly of feelings) as in its last verse, for anything that Trainers - real and fictional alike - may be(come) attached to in their Pokémon journey, then and now.

In the end, all four keywords become illustrated through the verses of the song, and their words fall on pages like leaves; in the same way, the pages also fall like the leaves. In the case of Pokémon and particularly of this year's happenings for it, they too become told over its course and are (will be) so remembered as such, especially with this blog serving as their annals. This is at least a fancy interpretation that goes beyond love, but then the singer always says to interpret songs in the freest of ways. So it is that my and others' experiences with Pokémon happen and then get told, even one by one.

One year ago: Someday, Soon...

Two years ago: ...Is There Still Time?

Three years ago: Return to Believe

Four years ago: (Extra-)Ordinary Days

Five years ago: One Day, in Life

Six years ago: When I See You Again