Contributed by Mary Economou Green PhD.

Lately I’ve been in music madness mode,
or at least, that’s what I call it –
a music nostalgia moodiness, songs
triggering memories, some exciting, enriching;
some confusing, nightmarish, timeless.

On our way to university, in 1978
we heard about tickets being sold
to an Elvis Costello and the Attractions show
at the El Mocambo in downtown Toronto,
stood in line for what seemed like hours.

I felt so fizzy, bubbly, carefree, wearing
red go-go boots, “you know the angels wanna wear my red shoes”
was plunked by friends onto a table top,
danced crazily, joyously to “The Beat,”
made serious black-dressed Costello break into a smile.

A year later, 1979, uncertainty, misunderstandings, changes –
electrifying, exhilarating love, then devastation, defeat;
sensational, memorable travel, then surrender, retreat.
Elvis sings “What’s So funny ‘Bout Peace Love and Understanding”
which whispered to me then, shouts to us now. We listen.