gig night

extra extra read all about it
common sense makes a comeback
--Joe Strummer


alright the gig itself is particularly unimpressive

the accordian player calls himself a fragile player
and his tempo indeed wanders about
amidst suddenly forgotten arrangements

while the cafe owner's daughter bangs away
out of rhythm on the washboard

but i am learning to breathe deep
stay grateful for the Louisiana folk music he is sharing
and not give in to the impulse to exit stage left

nor the one to express massive displeasure
at the owner's announcement as we begin
that our evening would be interrupted

by an hour of a folksinger he invited to audition
and who people less picky than me enjoy
including the one billionth rendition of Dead Flowers

after which we have to remix the sound again

-----

it was on the way over
i'd been reflecting on the pleasure
of the ride's lingering moment

my workweek behind me
perhaps my first comfortable one
as i learn to not overwork

driving top-down on the convertible
my bro-in-law left for the year
as he takes off to Europe with the kids

fiddle accompanying me in the front seat
with new gold e-string

as we cruise by the boats on Mission Bay
amidst warm setting San Diego sun
with Global-a-Go-Go rapping on the stereo

meandering along the beachside route
past surfers and taco stands
college girls out for drinks

-----

on the way home
nighttime but still on the warm side of cool
the top comes down again

i realize that while no one else noticed
there were a few moments i was actually playing
long flavorful Cajun double-stop fiddle lines

and now i sit $23 richer
plus the Etouffe to be devoured upon arriving home
still hot and fragrant in the back seat

listening to Bruce Daigrepont
and how the music needs to be played

while salty sea air wafts in

and warm summery smells
remind me of childhood