Stella By Starlight

Glasses tinkle and there's a steady murmur of conversation as the club slowly fills to near capacity. He sits nursing his vodka tonic, waiting for the show to begin. The house lights dim and the stage is spot-lit as the musicians take their places. Chatter modulates to rapt attention as the first notes drift into the air. The band has chosen a ballad, 'Stella by Starlight,' and the familiar strains bring claps of recognition from the audience. He closes his eyes to concentrate on the music, pleased they are playing her favorite tune. The moment is so powerful she is right there with him, swaying to the rhythm, nestled in his arms, light as a feather. It's a long, gentle rendition, almost twelve minutes. The band takes solos, drawing every nuance from the old standard, their improvisations bold and fresh. As they return to the melody the tune gradually dissolves into silence. The patrons respond with polite and sustained applause. When he opens his eyes he finds himself surrounded by dancers, lovers in each others' arms, cradled in his own embrace. ********** ...a prose poem celebrating a jazz standard.