The Great Escape

Each afternoon I listen to music in my

living room, I am transported to different

places, I am renewed.

I can find a cozy position in my recliner

where the pain of my arthritis is minimized.

I lean back, lift my legs and close my eyes.

Beethoven plays classically as I’m drifting

away. I swing with the Eagles harmoniously

who bring out nostalgia of the times in me.

Peter, Paul and Mary, Seger and Dylan take

me back to a time I was only allowed to

protest and participate lyrically.

And then there’s Bennett’s musical score for

Victory at Sea, a series on World War II, I

watched as a kid with my dad on TV.

Out of Africa movie music and Ladysmith

Black Mambazo satisfy me adventurously

with their scope of the South African theme.

I can relish and savor my blues with Muddy

Waters or whisk them away with the soothing

orchestrations of Yanni.

Alexa, volume up! I escape the weight of

my weary brain as the day wears on, and

poof...magically, I'm on my way, I’m gone!

Chris Hanch 12-22-19