Love Poem: The 27 Club, Part I
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Written by: David Welch

The 27 Club, Part I

His name was Jack O’Bann, and how he liked to play,
if not for school I think he would’ve strummed all day,
and he had a voice of both gravel and honey,
with the kind of power that brought in big money.
It was no surprise he started a high school band,
he rocked the parties, we knew his future looked grand.

But Jack had some trouble, his family disagreed,
they did not like the path where this future might lead,
most musicians failed, and there was no hiding that,
they would tell Jack that against him the odds were stacked,
and with his math skills he’d make a good engineer,
this debate troubled Jack for all of his senior year.

During that last year, he dated a girl named Kay,
who listened to his troubles, the things he had to say,
Jack fell so hard for him, in her arms found relief
from the pressures of family, what career to seek.
His band kept on playing, more and more dates in town,
gaining fans with each show until they were renowned.

But his parents were certain this his path was doomed,
even once tried to lock Jack inside his bedroom!
still he was determined, even though they did scoff,
until one day they both threatened to cut their son off.
He stormed out of the house following a big fight,
in a sour mood went to play a gig that night.

Kay was there with the band and saw that he was pissed,
said,”Don’t worry, go set up, I will handle this.”
So he vented out back, she tried to soothe his rage,
he said,”I’m so done with this now that I’m legal age!”
But somehow she got him to take control of himself,
and he put on a great show for everyone else.

It was a good time that night, Jake’s voice was like fire,
raised the crowd to a pitch, and then pushed them higher,
none knowing that a record man was looking on,
impressed by the skill they showed with their cover songs,
and the passion for their craft they made people feel,
so after it was over he offered them a deal.

All the band was excited, this could be their break,
Jack’s head was in a swoon, it was more than he could take,
first the fight with his parents that had rattled him, 
now this chance of a lifetime, he struggled within.
“I just need a moment…I need to get some air.”
He half-stumbled outside, and Kay followed him there...

CONTINUES IN PART II.