With Ears to See

The bitter wind blew through my hair, chilling my bones. The air smelled like rubber and asphalt as I walked down the sidewalk amongst the blur of cars flying by. My heart leapt inside my chest, seeming to beat faster with each step I took as I neared my long anticipated destination. The frigid mid-February air filled my lungs, ensnaring my insides in an irrevocable icy state. Finally, the tall dome-shaped building was in my line of sight. With much apprehension, drowning out any sound thought running through my mind, I began to sprint across the broad white-and-yellow-line stricken street eagerly toward the venue where I would soon spend the best night of my life.

I stood outside for a torturous five hours before the concert ever began. Time passed by slowly, like thick honey sliding down a sticky glass jar. The wait was absolutely agonizing and endless. After watching the clock for over an hour and a half, the crowds began flooding in. Ecstatic that I was only sixth in line to get in, I edged to the door. Security nagged the crowds to recede as the sun fell from the sky and the time drew closer to to enter the building. Yes! The doors swung open and all chaos broke through as everyone with floor seats dashed to get as close to the stage as they could. Amazingly, I was able to claim my territory right against the rails front and center.

I still had a whole hour before the bands came on. The anxiety nearly drove me to the point of insanity. The maddening cacophony of a million voices eventually began to subside as the lights in the foggy dome arena dimmed. Spotlights from above illuminated the spacious stage as the lead singer of the first band yelled into the microphone, obviously awaiting a loud cheer from his many fans. We've all been standing out in the freezing wind and rain for hours, so we all expected a phenomenal show. Although they weren't who I was waiting to see, I screamed and cheered like everyone else. However, I was still full of excitement as I waited for my favorite band to come on.

After an hour of loud deafening music, a noisy intermission brought light back into the now even foggier stadium. Fifteen minutes later, the smell of popcorn and beer filled the vicinity. People were running around like madmen, desperate to take their place back before the second band appeared. Once again, the crowd hushed and then roared when the main lights dimmed and the spotlights revealed the second band. The music was booming, I could feel the vibrations rattling my heart and quaking under my feet. The band was amazing, I could actually feel the music. Even though this was still not who I waited to see, I was amazed and cheered as well as sang along to every song I knew. Another intermission interrupted my singing and cheering, bringing reality back into the dome.

It was getting late, and the stage was empty, but I still was full of energy and beaming with excitement. They were next. My favorite band would be on in less than ten minutes now. I was practically jumping by the time the lights dimmed a final time. I heard his voice and my heart nearly melted. The second I heard the first beat of a drum I could feel my heart in my throat, so much so that I couldn't breathe. It was my favorite song! I belted the lyrics as loudly as I could, screaming and jumping all at the same time. Once their first song was over, they introduce the next one. I knew all the words to this one too! As I sang along, one of the men guarding the stage came over to me, handed me a piece of folded paper and a guitar pick. He told me I was the biggest fan he'd ever seen. As he walked off, I opened the piece of paper. It was the band's setlist taken right off the stage! Adrenaline rushed through my veins as I jumped up and down, squealing with exhilaration.

As the last few songs played, I could not quit jumping or singing my heart out. I wished time would slow for the first time all day so this night could last forever, but sadly, the last song played. I held my hands up in the air while I sang the final song, and the lead singer high fived me on his way out! What a perfect way to end a more than perfect night.

The spotlights went dark, and the main lights lit up. With much melancholy from the end of such an exasperating night. I was still entirely jubilant as I pressed my way through the crowds and away from all the merchandise booths and made my way out through the heavy double doors. The frozen midnight air numbed my face. I had about a block to walk back to the car through the ice on the road. Brilliant city lights seemed to blind me on my short journey back that seemed to take forever in such miserable algid air. Eventually I made it back to a warm car and then to a nice warm bed.