Music That Heals

for Sidney Bechet

There’s a fabric to life
All peoples are aware
of its existence—its own
beauty, design, texture
Some see it not at all.

Hear “Blues Horizon” on the clarinet
a sweeping phrase in low register
Sidney Bechet, improvising

Making sweet love
to our humanity with his mellow horn

The stepping music of our grandfathers
There’s nowhere else to go

Treat it gentle this wild beast
push the boundaries of specialization

There’s a great river & its tributaries
as sensuous as Coltrane on the soprano

Rapture & a love song
jazz music makes you understand

soloing must be a process
rounded in the people’s heart