I am moved by the sound of the sea The tides moving in and out of the shoreline Waves crashing against rocks The sound of seagulls
The sound of water A running gurgling stream The movement of water over rocks
Crashing cascades The roar of Iguasu Witnessed from both sides decades ago Brazil and Argentina Now a fond memory
I am moved by the sound of birds Tweeting or warbling In a garden In a park In an aviary Out of sight High up on trees
I love to watch tropical brightly coloured birds Attracting attention Strutting Calling Mating Birdsong More fond memories Of exotic locations in my past
I am moved by the sound of rhythm Syncopation Drumming Brazil The batucada of Salvador da Bahia Gypsy Andalusian hand clapping In synchronised precise timing with North African overtones The blending of musical fusion The blending of world cultures I am moved by exotic world music
I am moved to tears by a young Dutch ‘angel’ Hitting the high notes in an aria The three tenors A melodic violin concerto A romantic piano concerto Memories of my childhood
The beat of the Bossa Nova The plaintive sound of Piazzola’s New Tango The romantic Cuban ‘Feelin’ Bolero The wail of the passionate gypsies
I can not imagine complete silence It must be torture Solitary confinement Without sound Without touch Torture
Written in a Sufi writing workshop, Brighton 13 July 2019.