What Is Music?
by David Harker
Jen slumped back in her chair and sighed heavily. Her homework lay in front of her, the blank page mocked her pitiful attempts at coming up with an answer to the homework set by Mr. Crawford: “What is music?”
It should have been simple, a straight explanation of notes and bars, quavers and semiquavers, pitch and timbre.
She ran her fingers through her hair, her mind wandering into the lyrics and the accordion playing behind the hypnotic dance beat on her stereo.
When’re you gonna stop breaking my heart?She closed her eyes and imagined herself in a long flowing skirt and swimsuit; the silky material caressed her legs as it danced
Don’t let go, don’t let go, my love.
by a crystal-blue swimming pool
amidst the bleached, white buildings of Santorini
with the warmth of the sun on her skin
and the pungent odour of the sea
and the heady scent of lavender.
Sparrows chirped and argued as they played in the dust. She tasted melon, its succulent juices refreshed her palate and sent quivers of delight across her tongue and through her body.
She felt the pen in her hand move unbidden across the piece of paper on the desk. Startled, she opened her eyes and looked down at the page, at the words she’d written, and smiled. Perfect.
Music is what feelings sound like.
Copyright © 2012 by David Harker
