Sometimes,
when I'm feeling low,
I find a quiet place
and get my headphones.

Tom Waits —
"Hold On."

It's that first chord —
a warm D chord —
just opens up the world.
It's like an old friend.

And the words —
the lyrics —
make you smile,
make you laugh,
make you feel,
make you think.

A warm embrace.

I can see her —
the old motel, paint worn and peeling,
breath visible,
wrapping herself in her arms
in the freezing cold,
by the old shop.

"Hold on..."

(c) Paul Andrew Sneddon