Always the DJ…
“Only people of a certain disposition are frightened
of being alone for the rest of their lives”
– Rob Gordon, High Fidelity
Liftgate lowers; last equipment carried, stacked, accounted;
spatter of rain fights gravity, flung against your exposed neck,
your tie long-since loosened, top buttons undone
to let your skin breathe. Fresh water mixes with salt-sweat
trickling down your chest, underneath your clothes. You climb
behind the wheel, muscles aching, heart still
throbbing—from the sound, the adrenaline; everyone else left
an hour before you–venues painted red by taillights;
thoughts lingering in word bubbles from the past
half hour…
“You guys have been great tonight. Hope you had fun,”
“Headed off to a honeymoon? Safe travels and thank you
for trusting me with your big day.”
“No, thank you. For letting me share in this day with
you.”
“No problem. Really. Glad you liked it; it’s a special song to me too.”
The dashed-line bubbles pursue; ghosts along the road home;
darkness and more taillights—the ones you didn’t say…
“I really hope you beat the odds.”
“Remember today. When it gets rough.”
“Don’t ever stop fighting for what matters.”
“I’d rather not play that one…it reminds me of her.”
So much magic, so much finery. So much money. So many couples–
dancing, holding, kissing,
in love.
It reminds you that there is someone for everyone.
Nobody goes to a wedding
alone.
The road stretches in front of you. Hidden horizon. Twenty minutes left
in the day. But you’ll arrive
tomorrow.
Alone.
Until it’s time
to do it again.
10 thoughts on "Always the DJ…"
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What you did with the thoughts is sublime and really works. You really did nail the feeling of leaving an event. Great use of space.
You look like maybe you played a guitar or two! Thank you, Coleman.
The POV of the DJ really works. There’s a nice balance of intimacy and loneliness. Well done, Joseph.
Thank you, Linda.
I love my weddings.
But yes 🖤
We are on the same page today, Joseph! Can so relate to this. I think you’ve nailed the feeling of working an event and the memories and feelings we “vendors” get while doing so.
I wondered if there were any more of us around here! I appreciated your brighter and more comical turn at it too!
You had me at the High Fidelity quote!! Makes me miss my days working at the radio station.
But this, “You climb
behind the wheel, muscles aching, heart still
throbbing—from the sound, the adrenaline; “– pure perfection!
Right? That whole film (and more so the book!) is so quotable.
Thank you, H.A. 💙
I love the story, back story, and melody. I spent my time DJing in college to help make ends meet. Starving student. It is hard work.
too old now to hustle but I do have a great vinyl oldies collection. Rock on Garth.
Ty Dana! And woot! Another DJ in our number! I think of my dad having to shuffle vinyl then 8 tracks then cassettes and (not to say it is easy) but the heavens all my music is on my hard drive or can be downloaded in a minute if I don’t have it!