Like it was yesterday, I remember the tear in the after-market black vinyl top, with the pastel blue factory color showing through. It was my used Karman Ghia. I always wondered, “why the top?” Didn’t really care all that much, it was our ‘party bug’, and we had a ball riding around — especially the weekends when both my insane schedule, and my parental visitations coincided, enabling our quartet to sing out on the Tears For Fears songs we loved. It was the tape that wouldn’t eject, stuck permanently in the Lear Jet 8-track tape deck that rattled, at times, under the dash panel. I’d installed it best I could — but, hey… We didn’t care though, we got to know and love every tune on “Songs From The Big Chair”.
I remember I would pick your older sister up first, then quickly she and I would head to your house, and pick you boys up. The two of you would scramble into the back, and with your sister ridin’ shot gun, the four of us would cruise Cincinnati’s 7 hills, singing TFF at the top of our lungs, people peering in at us like we were crazy. We were crazy — crazy with laughter, loving our too-seldom times together. We did the same craziness on the way to my coaching your sister in soccer, and you guys in football. Also, when we all went to the movies, or to get fast food — hell, we did it all the time… and we loved it!
I occasionally dream about all of us rockin’ that old Ghia. Today we couldn’t all fit in, even if I still had it these decades later. Also today, as you know, we could be only a trio. We lost your beautiful voice much too early. Your sister, younger brother, and I were utterly devastated, and we still ache so, when we feel the void, and your missing harmony son — though we seldom are able to be together anymore. Life, time, and distance make it a most difficult challenge these days. But those rare precious moments we are able, our love still sings — and your sweet voice is still now, and will forever be, painfully missing.
but the song’s still sweet and rich
it is filled with love
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rob kistner © 2023
Poetry at: dVerse