(First, a scansion note: Richard Galliano is French. His name, to an anglophone's ear, sounds something like reeSHAR gaYANno... which scans very differently from the anglicized version, RICHard GALiAno.)
Two years ago I left, got in the car,
And drove five hundred miles to see a friend,
A brother, and a sister. Any scar
That up till then I'd chosen to pretend
Invisible, was now an open wound.
I couldn't face the need that I had felt,
To cut myself adrift, and then marooned.
I did this. Now the hand that I had dealt
Was called, and I was lost in empty space,
My senses near-refusing to accept
A single stimulus. But by some grace,
The car still had CDs that I had kept,
By accident. I hadn't cleared them out.
I fumbled through them all, along the way,
And bypassed several I could do without,
Then put Richard Galliano in to play.
Now two years on, his conjurings of pain
And passion thread together in my mind
From days when sadness poured on me like rain
And future was a thing I'd left behind,
Reminding me, just driving in the car,
That I hear joy. No matter how things are.
Here are Richard Galliano and Tangaria on YouTube, performing Tangaria.


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Comments
I was raised on the border between the US and Mexico. The style of accordion playing is completely different. The piece is quick compared to the thumping sound of the Conjunto accordion player. Truly beautiful music, with great words.
And passion thread together in my mind
From days when sadness poured on me like rain
And future was a thing I'd left behind,"
I don't always comment on your poetry, DB, but I'd like you to know how the above leaves me speechless. ~R
"I hear joy. No matter how things are". Great DB.
Raney, I'm glad you liked Galliano's music. And thanks for your compliment as well. Where I was raised, there were no accordions for many miles.
Fusun, it's nice to see you again. And to get such a nice note. I'm glad you were touched.
Patty, it's great to see your avatar again. I thought you were gone forever. I always enjoy seeing you in the comments. And Peace to you as well.
Dave, thanks. Hey, you've been around this block once or twice -- what do YOU listen to?
anna1, thank you for that snippet. I know the deadness of that taxi ride. Your friend did a great service for you that night.
trilogy, I'm glad you liked the music. I like him even better, seeing him on video -- I'm happy he's not some gorgeous Latin young hunk, you know? Not that I would be jealous. No. Never.
Pilgrim, every time you pick out a line you like, I run the risk of puffing up with pride. I'm glad you liked the line. I'll try to stay humble.
scupper. Yes, I have been feeling all three.
Everyone, everyone. Thanks so much. More to come.