Watching my dad’s expression

of bliss 

while listening to Mario 

is where I first became aware

that  contradistinction is intriguing; 

tough soldier

meets operatic tenor. 

​

I observed being “out of the box”as an enjoyable mystery. 

 

My father wanted all of us kids to

play music, 

although he did not, 

and couldn't

"carry a tune in a bucket".

His constant whistling

was contagious to me. 

Yes, I'm a fantastic whistler.

In my childhood, 

Julie Andrews with her crystal clear, 

bell-like voice and most elegant,

earthy, and exuberant expression

of her art gave music to

all my senses. 

 

Then, it was the Byrds. 

Oh yes,

softening the slicing words

of Dylan 

with their 12 string guitars 

and fluid harmonies. 

 

Crosby, Stills, and Nash

with their valiant voices

and heartfelt insights,

decrying the government

killing of peaceful war protestors

and glorying in the power of

a Woodstock (Joni’s song).  

I wasn’t even old enough

to see the movie. 

 

Buffy Sainte Marie

with her Native American

war torn heart

“Universal Soldier” ,

singing about the grunge FBI

killing Indians and energy companies stealing uranium from their lands……

and real love,

“Lift Us Up Where We Belong”

and

“Until it’s time for you to go”

more contradistinctions.