334 Eyes
1, 2, 3, 4
Up, 2, 3, 4
Silence. A bead of sweat rolls down my neck.
Was that wrong? The band begins to move.
Their first few sets are silent. Aren’t they?

1, 2, 3, 4
A lone snare drum rolls far to my right. Two more join. Three.
The horns begin. A deep dark chord pounds against my head, trying to sneak into my ears. They all cut out.
The drummer continues. His drum shivers, followed by the sharp sound.
For a split second, I gaze at my outstretched arms.
Flexed muscles smoothly chop the air into four beats.

1, 2, 3, 4
Climax, crescendo. I move my hands wider. Trying to hug some imaginary tree, like I did as a child.
I feel my heart trying to punch its way out of my cage of a chest. I swear I can see its little hands prying through my jacket. My brain beats out the constant rhythm, yelling at my heart to get back in its cell.
My arms obey my brains commands, ignoring the heart to do their duties.
A cloak of goose bumps spread across my back as the high chord pierces my ears.
Loud. Louder. Louder!

1, 2, 3, 4
Silence. Drummer continues still.
Softer, slower.
Arms aching, without pain.
Strained focus.
Controlled relief.

1, 2, 3, 4
Close, down, 2, 3, 4
Lock.
334 Eyes