THE TROUBADOUR
He’s parked and playing
outside the Willy St. Coop.
Walnut guitar strummed by
chestnut fingers. A smile
as he soulslides his way
through “Stand By Me.”
I stand swaying, appreciating;
we share a grin and I join in
on the chorus. We sing
in pitchpricklingperfect harmony.
“Take a verse, little sister.”
I slip in that side door of possibility
and respond in a gritty voice
from my soulful side, bringin it.
As the troubadour takes
lead on the chorus, I’m
floating above with a subdued
harmony. We blend like
strong coffee and Bailey’s,
mingling, merging, melding
into one voice. We finish and
exchange info to do this again.
Serendipity lives in Madison,
streets abloom with organic music.
© 2012 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
For ABC Wednesday, brought to you by the letter “T.” Also for Poets United’s Think Tank Thursday, “possibility.” This actually happened to me during a shopping trip on my way to my therapist’s office. I composed the poem in its entirety while in her waiting room. Rarely have I been so fortunate, especially during a depressed period, to come upon such a soulful singer/guitarist sitting right in my path, open to a short jam. Carl is his name and we’re hoping to record a bit in the near future.
Possibility. This poem reminds me that ANYTHING is possible if only I can get myself out the door and into the world! Soul singing. Uplifting, unexpected, and so good for everything positive that dwells beneath my inner darkness. Carl helped light a spark in me that reminded me of all the beauty that awaits once this cloud lifts… Peace, Amy
Sharp Little Pencil 
Polly Robinson
Oh how wonderful, how I wish I were still there to have experienced this 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
Sweet moment, Polly!
Sue
Wish I’d been there to hear, Amy–you’re both true musicians.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Sue. I love jamming with people I’ve never met before. It’s organic, it’s so magical!
Lindy Lee
Organic music, really nice…
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Lindy. Seemed apropos, since we were at the Coop!
vivinfrance
I just loved this, Amy – a serendipitous jam session is one of life’s major joys. As is the poem that comes from it. By the way, your title could do with an s on the end – there were two of you!
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Viv. Naw, it was all Carl. I was just the side man, and it was his gig…!
El Guapo
Yeah, music will do that.
Sharp Little Pencil
I know you know that I know what you mean, you know? wink
lmkazmierczak
Lovely poem, really like your phrasings…soulslides is outstanding♫♪
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, I liked that little wordplay, too. How do you do that music thingie? Verrrrry cool!
kimnelsonwrites
All I could think of, like Sue, was “I wish I was there!” The telling made me sway and smile. This is a wonderful write, Amy, which I hope to see in the next publication! 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
Aw, Kim, you’re sweet. I wish y’all had been there, too. We got a few bystanders, which meant Carl got a few extra bucks in his case, which is good, cuz I think he needs it…
Daydreamertoo
Wow Amy… that is so wonderful. You took me ‘there’ and I bet you both sang absolutely brilliantly!
Sharp Little Pencil
Music is love is music is friendship is music is camaraderie. It’s like that.
SaraV
Amy, there is so much light in you, it’s hard to imagine any darkness. You set this scene so well, I’m still getting goosebumps just thinking about it. Love the words “walnut guitar..chestnut hands” and “I slip in that side door of possibility”
Love it! Hugs to you
Sharp Little Pencil
Sara, thanks for commenting on those colors. It grates on me to be called “white,” because I’m beige. Did you also catch coffee and Bailey’s? Same thing!!
Pamela Smyk Cleary
Oh yeah! What they all said, Amy! You had me standing right there enjoying the music. I’m still smiling, just imagining it. Sorry I wasn’t there for real — but this was the next best thing. 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
Bless you, Pamela. I really appreciate this, and had you all been there, Carl would have been RICH with tips!! Plus I would have met so many friends…
purplepeninportland
I just love this one; it put a smile on my face.
Sharp Little Pencil
My face hurts from smiling while writing replies. You folks delight me!
Roger Green
Yeah, I keep needing the reminder that stuff happens when you show up!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Sharp Little Pencil
Showing up is the beginning… then seeing what’s shakin’ is the gravy!!
leesis
awesome yet again Amy…and yes the cloud will lift. What an extraordinary soul you are. xx
Sharp Little Pencil
Leesa, thanks for the kind words and the encouragement. The cloud always lifts, and I’ve developed strategies for “in the meantime…” xxoo
Joseph Harker
I’m digging the word “pitchpricklingperfect”. The moment you capture here is wonderfully heartfelt and humming.
There’s a hurdy-gurdy player I’ve been seeing lately in Union Square. Talk about a troubadour. 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
Oh, man, a hurdy-gurdy? That’s brilliant! And Union Square, with its lovely arch, a great setting. All sorts of different folks can perform at the same time and still have their own sound space. Also, thanks for comment on wordplay, because I LIVE for that stuff, but you knew that. Peace, Amy
Renee Espriu
What a gift you give to others when you sing.
Sharp Little Pencil
I’m of the mind that if everyone sang at least one song at full voice, even along with the CD player, the world would be a more peaceful place.
brian miller
nice…i love this….first buskers are really cool…and i love listening to them…and letting you join in…what a rocking time…smiles…
Sharp Little Pencil
Don’t you love the term “busker”? Old London tradition… and yes, it’s so much fun to jump in, and they always welcome it… thanks, hon!
Madeleine Begun Kane
What a charming interlude!
On another note: Good luck with the recall vote. Sounds scarily close!
Sharp Little Pencil
As I write this, we already lost, but picked up a Dem seat in the Iron Fist of the State Senate, which was formerly “run” by TWO BROTHERS, the Fitzgeralds, one in the Senate, one in the Assembly. Wisconsin and pairs of brothers, what’s up with that? Just like the Kochs!
www.karenglennpoetry.wordpress.com
Sounds like a terrific experience, Amy. I wish I could have seen and heart it, but this definitely took me there.
Sharp Little Pencil
Karen, it was magic, plain and simple. I wish I could have a jam session with all the poet/musicians I know!