Composition on a Napkin

Written on the back of a napkin while sitting in a coffee shop

Composition on a Napkin

 

 

They smile,

every man a melody,

another lead in the Grand Composition-

Each beat of a heart is another beat of the snare

Every passing set of headlights, another step in the walking groove that holds it all together

 

And every potential a stranger may ever reach,

Could go unnoticed by the man at the table next to him-

a hidden countermelody that sings just as sweet as the obvious solo

 

And on we play,

in spite of the postcard smiles and assumed appreciation of our audience.

 

For each of them are unknowing conductors,

soloists, percussionists

As much our evening entertainment as we are theirs.

Staring at a picture painted on a one- way mirror,

As we peer back through the glass on the other side.

Reviews

[Emily B]

aw, James, this is absolutely amazing stuff. Composition is such an apt word, describing the words and the music. It felt like a kaleidoscope of noises to me.

It's good to see you around the cafe again. School's about to start. . . how are things going? I need an update on the young Kentucky poet.

[R J Askew]

Tis absolutely true. Life one giant gig. Some of us unnoticed bits of the rhythm section that holds it all together others wild screaming riffs. Great stuff! Can I be the quiet bit in the middle of White Snake's Still of the Night, or Foreigner's Juke Box Hero. Quiet bits uber dramatic.

[Celtic Cat]

James - this is absolutely stunning and altogether dreamy. I completely adore this piece, it's so brilliant. I had to read it over and over and over again, letting it seep into my soul a bit more with each look. I can't say when the last time I've read something so moving was. You are a genius, for real. Man I gotta start drinking coffee!! : )

[Ken Simm.]

Lovely. I saw my favourite cafe at my favourite time of year in the city of light. People watching and wondering. Delightful

[Siddartha Beth Pierce]

Truly a delight to read. These are some of the same things I often consider when about a cafe just people watching. Not delving really into their business at hand but watching their gestures and myriad of faces traveling in and out and by. Graceful composition. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Light,
Siddartha