Band Stand In the Square

1974, Newton, Iowa in the summer free band concert music director stands at pavilion guiding hands rev up the troops They are seventh and eight graders We, their captive audience, are related no one else would surely be here Hold up! There is Old Mr. Dodggery. He drags a green lawn chair up and sits beside the pavilion. His toothless smile urging them on. They play their hearts out. We clap politely. Sam Elison cheers loudly; probably drunk Even though the noon sun has not yet arrived. Newton, Iowa in July. Same time next year? At the pavilion?