Ariel

watching tones behind my eyes
needle clicking through well-worn grooves
that we once traveled together
at 33 1/3 rotations per minute
unwinding memories

feelings balanced precariously
along the edge of a blade of song
knowing that to hum along
would push me over

yellowed notes behind my smile
softened with wear
yet still as potent
as when we placed the needle together

Ariel

we listened over and over until the crispness
the depth of sound
wore more and more, the recording transferred
to our shared memories

I drop the needle
shush and pop
then the music...

...I start to hum...