JazzzzFest

The night was unbearably and

Humid to the touch. 

Thunderstorms were only a day away. 

I was feeling only acceptable early on,

But the growing crowd

Was unsettling. 

The outdoor stage was sound checked,

The crowd surged in from behind me,

Claustrophobia was 

giving white coat blood pressure.  

St. Paul and the Broken Bones,

The band of eight roared,

Lights danced, and I pretended to be okay. 

The sweet smell of marijuana

Coated my nostrils as a joint was

Passed around my vicinity.

I wanted to relax and feel the music,

But I couldn’t ease my tension. 

Weed would help, but I didn’t.

I was close to the front,

Near the stage,

I felt like a member of the band,

But turned and left. 

Racing thoughts were so loud, I couldn’t

Find the band’s melody in my head.

Against the crowd I squeezed,

Eyes followed, disgusted at my choice to go home. 

But who really cares,

I could breathe again.

Alone in my basement on the phone with

My person –

At Peace.