He Performs

He swiftly walked off before she could formulate a response. She turned her back to the front of the stage and tried to understand this obscured encounter. Just as she let her thoughts stray, a loud greeting from the crowd interrupted. She turned to see the stranger, the young man quickly walked with the same calm presence up the side stairs to the stage. Once again he had no introduction. Thinking out loud, “who the hell is he?” He grabbed the mic from the table on the stage, observed the crowd as if he could see through the sweaty faces into each of their souls. The crowd waited for some kind of direction to respond to this nameless face. Just before losing their attention, the instrumental music started to play. She became one of them, one of the 653 people who wanted to hear this stranger’s voice, to hear the vibration of he’s words, to build a connection so they could feel as though they knew him. “one-two, one-two, one-two”, like this was he’s sound check. Then he dropped the first verse with which he would own everyone’s attention. A voice that was relatable-no accent, no dialect, everyone could feel it was theirs, a tone that wasn’t comparable. In trance, he owned her as well. One song and he walked off as if he didn’t have full control over everyone in the room. Stared by all, he walked out of the building. The house d.j. just as confused and enameled by this man, his music, the performance, the person, tried to act as if this was planned “and that was …”

No Hello Stranger

Lost in thought, mostly daily worry as the club played the theme music for her daydreams. She structured herself to always look confident and strong standing alone. The young woman had years of practice learning to keep her imagination as good company. Quietly, a tall well-dressed man approached with a grace only a man who had experienced great achievement through hardship could. He carried undeniable strength with he’s broad shoulders, a face that couldn’t display ignorance, and hands that only the hard-working have. The young man’s presence immediately made her self-conscious. The shadow hiding details of he’s face and only showing the outline of he’s beautiful dark complexion as one arm rested on the bar. A glance from these deep eyes boldly exposed all of her insecurities. He turned to speak with full attentive eye contact, “What are you doing here tonight?” She tried to disguise the nervousness in her voice, “I work here.” A slight smile from him, “Is this your dream?” An uncertain and confused reply, “I’m sorry”. He’s response already prepared, “I don’t think this is your dream career, looks like your plotting your next move.” A low sigh of a laugh, “I want to work in the music business, maybe an entertainment lawyer.” Her answer made he’s smile widen as her thoughts raced, she couldn’t read him. Never losing eye contact, he told her he had to go. I’ll see you soon; I have to know your goals, feel your dreams, and taste your talent.