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The Jazz Singer
by Renuka Jeyapalan

Crowded tonight. One two-and-uh one two-and-uh one two. Jamie in and then tromb slide and easy. Missed the Saturday dance, heard they crowded the floor. She isnÕt here. CouldnÕt bear it without you. Should have picked her up. Said she would come. Still early though. Head it in and donÕt get around much anymore. Repeat now. Slow tempo and Scott come in. Did she mean it? I want to hear you sing. Crowded tonight. Is she her? WhoÕs here? Suits. Lots of suits. Hey, Tyler! TylerÕs in the corner. Talk to him after the set. Where? Where? Where? She looks like someone. Pretty. Staring. WhoÕs she like? That actress from that movie. What is it? What is it? I can see her face. Name. What the hellÕs her name. That same red hair. Great scene when she lifts her head up and that smile. Sure IÕm decent. What is her name? She sang Put the Blame and the black dress and those gloves. Great scene. Head in again. Thought IÕd visit the club. Is that her? No. Far as the door. Okay, heÕs behind and asked me about you, donÕt get around much anymore. Caught up now and into sax improv around now. There. One two-and-uh one two-and-uh one two. SheÕs not coming. I said ten, yeah? Ten. I did say that. WhatÕs the time? Fifth song of the set. Then about quarter to. Where is she? I want to hear you sing. I want to hear you sing. But not here. Apple pie. She made me apple pie. The whole thing. Ridges on crust. Glazed top. Powdered sugar. A whole pie for me from scratch. Be here. Be here. What? Where are we? Shit, IÕm late. Right, go another round and head in again. Darling, I guess my mindÕs where where where but nevertheless why stir up memories. Head out and one two and-uh one two-and-uh one two and now Leon. Right. Good. Low bass. And move it up and into bridge. Should have picked her up. I could have brought her. Then she would be here now. Where are you? Wellington. She knows where Wellington is. God, so many people. Yeah, I sing. IÕm a singer. Really, sing something for me. No, no not now. Oh, come on I want to hear you sing. Come to the club and IÕll sing for you there. And head in again. Been invited on dates might have gone but what for. Easy now and piano slide and Scott goes in and awfully different without you, donÕt get around much anymore. And one two-and-uh one two-and-uh one two-and-uh. Repeat and tag. Soft and close. Rita Hayworth.