Out of the Darkness, Shine

"Like the moon, come out from behind

the clouds!  And Shine!

Mark Nepo

The Blues Fest was the ideal spot for people watching.  Children were squealing with delight as they chased large bubbles across the grass.  Heavy fragrances drifted from the food vendors and laughter filled the air.  The musicians were deep into their groove while fingers and toes of bystanders were busily tapping.  Numerous folks had brought their own chairs and coolers, settling in front of the bandstand in the traditional downtown park.

There was an older gentlemen who had attended every Blues Festival throughout the summer.  He appeared to be the stereotypical army vet ... bone thin, long gray ponytail, bushy facial hair and a bandana tied around his head.  His worn out sandals gently slid over the grass as his skinny arms kept a gentle movement,  but his focus was somewhere far away.   Another dancer would spin and twirl keeping perfect beat with her feet.  She intrigued me with her aura of self confidence and apparent  dissociation from her surroundings.

At the end of the music, I found myself wondering how many people would remember these solo dancers and if they would be recognized outside of the festival.  I believe both the army vet and the nondescript female would fade back into the woodwork.  So what gave these two the courage to come out of the darkness and shine?