1978 - Happenstance

It wasn't only happenstance that I encountered Happenstein He calculatedly approached me as I tried to eat my meal He introduced himself, I challenged him, and then I felt resigned To autograph, or take a pic, or anything to ease his zeal. Young Reginald, as I then learned, was a musician from this town He offered up a tune he taped and hoped that I would lend an ear I told him I was very busy, did not want to let him down I said I'd think about it and dismissed him, but was insincere. I stuffed the tape into my coat, another time another place A burden that I had to bear, this fame of being recognized I doubted I'd return to it, but took it just to show some grace Forgotten now and out of sight, his presence now to exorcise. The months, they passed, when on a stroll, I happened on a concert hall A "Reginald Von Happenstein" was set that evening to appear. The name, familiar, jogged my brain, the tape unlistened, I recalled I had a moment for a treat, but wasn't sure I'd find it here. Back at the house, I searched for it, and found the ancient artifact I popped it into the tape deck and pressed the button so to play From the first note was mesmerized, could not predict how I'd react Emotional response was mine, it's true my life had changed that day The deepest sorrow, utter joy, a shock of terror, happiness Then mystical and magical, it bubbled to the surface, this I had to know how this was done, how one so young could bring such bliss I vowed to meet him, sing his praise, then offer up my services I rushed back to the simple stage, the one where Reginald would shine I had to see him play these songs, I had to witness this event I wanted to be there that night, I needed to be first in line I wanted him to know my mind, our meeting was no accident The melodies began to haunt, the harmonies were so divine The rhythms shared my own heartbeat, the lowest bass reached to my soul The transitions were heaven-sent, the lyrics sent me to cloud nine The instruments in perfect tune, the genre could not pigeonhole I left that evening, in a sweat, I could not stand, my legs had gone I vowed that I would never see another like him, anytime And to this day, I never have, he so far is the only one That makes me feel the way I did, his music was truly sublime