Joan

(on the Joan Baez Concert, July 3, 2014, at the Greek Theater)

Stepping onto the open-air stage,

She who knew how to fight for a cause

Graciously acknowledged the thunderous applause—

An indicator of love, a gauge

For Joan.

—“Flora, the Lily of the West...”*

Her music carried me back through the years

To see a kid devouring her songs

Of love and promise, of rights and wrongs,

And entering new, exciting frontiers

With Joan.

—“There but for fortune go you, go I...”

Her voice—now lower—soft and smooth,

Gently embraced the summer night

With melodies that could calm or excite,

Powerfully lift one’s spirits, and soothe...

Thanks to Joan.

—“We both know what memories can bring: they bring diamonds and rust...”

Entranced by her compassionate heart,

I felt my admiration rise

For someone who always opened my eyes

To hope when things were falling apart—

For Joan.

—“The water is wide, I cannot get o’er...”

How many encores did she sing

With the Indigo Girls? I now forget.

Nonetheless, I’m in their debt

For the chance to hear their voices ring

With Joan’s.

—“Virgil Caine is the name and I served on the Danville train...”

Journeys continue; the roads may be rough.

Even though challenges always abound,

Let despair NEVER gain ground.

I’ve learned one can never do enough...

From Joan.

—“Gracias a la vida...”


By Bob B (7-4-14)

 *Quotes are from songs performed at the concert.