While Listening to Monk

she slips easily in
between the notes.
But the silence!

Now that's noisy.

he falls into silence.
Wanders for days.

Thelonious listens to himself.
Fingers on keys, waiting...

The pause is long-a hundred
batons crack his skull again-
even for him.

He pushes onto the next note.

why don't they make Music anymore?

I live in a world of polarities. While I work at LC, I'm subjected to top 40 radio, which consists of four or five songs which are played non-stop. All day. Every day. I liken the experience to sharp needles (Lady Gaga) being sharpened by a cruel mistress (Rhianna) and placed consistently through my ear lobes (every single radio DJ). It is disheartening, soulless music, with only a beat to catch my interest.

Yet, when I get home and put on my Pandora radio, I rediscover the soul of music. Lately I have enjoyed the music of Al Green. Every time I listen to him sing, I hear something different. It is moving, invigorating, challenging, sorrowful, effulgent, intellectual, bluesy, sophisticated, earthy, and (most of all) demanding of subtle attention. This isn't only Reverend Al: there are countless other artists, most old but some new, who are keeping Music alive. To them, I give my undivided attention. Please enjoy "I'm so Tired of Being Alone," by Al Green.