● Beyond A Simple Life

Change is the hardest thing to accept when you fear what comes as a result of it.

A Movie

The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn (1999)

The Scene

A greedy land developer sets his sights on old Noah Dearborn. Noah has managed to evade the sweeping changes of the fast moving world outside his door.

Sidney Poitier gives his usual nuanced performance as a modest, hardworking elderly man who speaks only when he needs to. He lives alone and leads a self-sufficient life as a farmer and carpenter.

One day a slick city attorney turned land developer uses his usual dirty tricks to try to buy Noah out of his family farm.

Satisfied with his life, Noah graciously turns down the developer’s offer. This is interpreted as weakness and a signal to force him off his land.

He is an enigma in his small town community. Apparently, there are no other black people in the town. He is knowledgeable about carpentry and quite good. This skill and his farming sustain him. He has an understated way of promoting himself to get work. That and his honorable actions enable him to live in the town somewhat undisturbed.

The Best Part

A sublime 2-story barn, in which he lives and works, opens the doorway to his mind. I was touched by the nurturing soulfulness of this place. Inside, the light, quiet, and solitude create an otherworldly mood. It is Noah’s sanctuary.

Noah uses a vintage foot-powered machine to fashion a furniture piece. It captured my attention. The motion of the wheel symbolized the cycle of life and the second chances that are gifted to us by the universe. The deep patina of the well cared-for furniture and woodwork reveal that this space is the sanctuary and cumulative domain of a master craftsman.

The barn and homestead were passed down to him from his uncle who taught Noah all he knew about carpentry. I imagine that the furniture, home, barn and other structures were built and added by family members over generations.

The rhythm of Noah’s work reflects all of the joys and sorrows of his somewhat insular life. It is a surreal and serene existence for a solitary black man in this place. Nonetheless, he is a worthy steward of his family’s legacy.

A Simple Influence

The developer’s lawyer visits the farm to determine the state of Noah’s mind. After interacting with him in the serenity of the place and tasting Noah’s homegrown wine, he has a silent epiphany. Later, it was revealed that immediately after the visit, the lawyer gave up law. Then, he bought a vineyard, took up winemaking and found deep satisfaction in his new life.

Now, the developer relentlessly pursues his prey. Noah does not realize how swiftly the wheels of displacement move. Instead he believes that a simple refusal to sell will make the predators go away. He does not recognize the threat to his life just yet.

A few times his thoughts go to the past, revealing the family tragedies and personal losses that shaped him.

Noah nearly loses the property due to stepped up efforts to enforce his departure by contrived charges of mental incompetence and ad hoc legalities. Help from a caring neighbor and a new friend, plus his own awakening, defeat the forces that nearly crushed him.

The Outcome

Soon, Noah makes his way back to his farm. The movie’s ending suggests that he will resume his routine: making wine and looking after his few animals. Importantly, I hope he continues doing the carpentry work that feeds his soul and maintains the connection to his ancestors.

It looks like he is leaving the door open to new friendships and, for the first time, love.

I am sure that things won’t be the same. Anyone who comes around next time to confront Noah should not underestimate the strength and cunning of the knights he just fought and overcame.

The Simple Takeaway

Attempting to live a simple life is not so easy. Noah discovered this truth. While I watched the film, I felt pangs of the poignant losses in my life. Occasionally, I touch the world and it leaves its mark on me. My instinct is to withdraw from everything and everyone. My response is to gather only what I need from the world to create what I want – a life that has purpose and meaning.

How do I do that? I do it by speaking from my heart. I do it by observing, adjusting, and standing in my reality and truth. I do it by remembering what I have done and what I can do. I do it when I acknowledge that I am, like Noah, one of billions and, therefore, not alone. Then I boldly go where no one has gone …

Well, you know the rest.

Baadaye.

–Shirley J

Postscript: This film came to mind after I found out that Sidney Poitier had died. I saw it just a few years ago. It impressed me and really touched my heart. As a woodworker, I was pleasantly surprised that Noah was a woodworker – a carpenter – and a very good one.

At dusk, the light and shadows dance over my wood shop. They remind me of Noah’s ethereal workspace. It makes me smile.

Much of what you read here is my take on the film. If you get the chance to see it, please do. Then let me know your thoughts about it.

•

Mr. Sidney Poitier
Son of a beloved mother and father
🌹