I Watched in Joy

In the corner, horned-rimmed glasses girl tapped in tune
With the music, recklessly departing from her
Whistler’s Mother mask...she laughed a little laugh
At her happy release, and looked from side to side
To see if anyone noticed.

I watched in Joy!

The table of friends clapped as they swayed from side to side
In perfect unison with toothy grins.

I watched in Joy!

A drunken regular hooted between the musical notes, while
The bar-girl carefully negotiated past the hip swinging girl,
Temporarily distracted from her flirting.

I watched in Joy!

The elderly couple at the stand-up bar hugged and sighed as
The melody reminded them of the long ago moment
That brought their Love together.

I watched in Joy!

It was just another night in another town in
Another bar, but between the beats of rhythm, magic floated
Like a balloon for children to catch....

And, I watched in Joy!

John McIntosh 2000