Joan

(on the Joan Baez Concert, July 3, 2014, at the Greek Theater)

Stepping onto the open-air stage,

She who knew how to fight for a cause

Graciously acknowledged the thunderous applause--

An indicator of love, a gauge

For Joan.

--“Flora, the Lily of the West...”*

 

Her music carried me back through the years

To see a kid devouring her songs

Of love and promise, of rights and wrongs,

And entering new, exciting frontiers

With Joan.

--“There but for fortune go you, go I...”

 

Her voice--now lower--soft and smooth,

Gently embraced the summer night

With melodies that could calm or excite,

Powerfully lift one’s spirits, and soothe...

Thanks to Joan.

--“We both know what memories can bring: they bring diamonds and rust...”

Entranced by her compassionate heart,

I felt my admiration rise

For someone who always opened my eyes

To hope when things were falling apart--

For Joan.

--“The water is wide, I cannot get o’er...”

 

How many encores did she sing

With the Indigo Girls? I now forget.

Nonetheless, I’m in their debt

For the chance to hear their voices ring

With Joan’s.

--“Virgil Caine is the name and I served on the Danville train...”

 

Journeys continue; the roads may be rough.

Even though challenges always abound,

Let despair NEVER gain ground.

I’ve learned one can never do enough...

From Joan.

--“Gracias a la vida...”

 

 

*Quotes are from songs performed at the concert.

 (7-4-14)