The Internet. Fred Hersch’s piano
caresses an Amsterdam audience
with The Nearness of You, his crescendo
lifting me along the flowing Oude Schauns,
its shore lights flickering fairies mirrored
in twilight current like silent fireworks.
Do I see Rembrandt there, daring record
Montelbaanstoren’s glowing clock at dark?
I’d like to rib him about The Polish
Rider. “Hey, Remmie, did the Frick blow it?”
And red-lighted De Wallen just southish
of the church Oude Kerk. “Did you go at it
there, unbeknownst to your lovely Saskia?
Hey, don’t get mad. I just thought I’d ask ya.”
Roger Armbrust
March 14, 2008
