THE SOUND OF GREAT SURPRISE

when i was young, i really loved
the fourth day of july
the fireworks, so spectacular
would seem to split the sky

the thump and escalation
then a short dramatic pause
then shapes of hues exploding
to the cries of oohs and ahs

since then, i've loved a mystery
the feeling of suspense
i feel the same excitement
in the jazz experience

the curlicues of rhythm
let the eardrums fantasize
the spin of jazz unwinding
is the sound of great surprise

you're climbing down a rabbit hole
with many turns and twists
the music is a living thing
that in your mind exists

you think it's going to the left
then to the right, it darts
and never seems to finish
in the same place that it starts

it's like a snake that undulates
a swaying back and forth
a trail of notes due south
collide with others moving north

the wonder of this journey
is a treat to tantalize
the spin of jazz unwinding
is the sound of great surprise