The Old Violinist and The Old Dog

I first saw them a few nights ago

They were on the corner of Burrard and Alberni

as I rode by on the bus..

The dog lay with his head on the sidewalk

in peaceful contemplation

his eyes closed.

The old violinist was vigourously 

playing his violin.

What melody he played I do not know

for the bus windows were closed.

An old hippy walked by

shaking his head

as if to say,

You can't teach an old dog new tricks

or an old musician new music.

The music he played was obviously

pre-Woodstock

I figured.

Then last night as I walked up Robson Street

half-way up between Thurlow and Burrard

I saw them-

the old violinist

and the old dog.

The dog once again 

his head on the sidewalk

in peaceful contemplation.

I approached

and the melody touched my ears

like the softest velvet.

Never have I heard

Vivaldi's Four Seasons played

so beautifully.

As a child,

my parents often took me to numerous symphony concerts.

I have listened to Vivaldi on radio and TV

and Galaxy satellite

and never have the beautiful Four Seasons

sounded so beautiful.

Vancouverites may not know it

but the streets of Vancouver are truly blessed 

as a master violinist sends his melodies

into the air 

before the Festival of Lights Fireworks

light up the night sky.

-A poem written by Christopher

 Sunday night

 July 28th 2013

 the night after the

 1st round of fireworks

 in the Vancouver Fireworks Festival

 Honda Celebration of Light

 Vancouver, British Columbia.