Halo of Flies

Pat's dad drove us to Minneapolis
to see a rock legend on stage

we listened to a tape i made
of some favorites
i pointed out one song
proclaiming in my cockiness
"i know they won't play this one!"

we banged our heads on the highway
letting the excitement build up
until it we were boiled over
with the energy of youth

getting to the arena early
we clasped ourselves to the fence
front row

we endured through three awful opening acts
and finally
Alice took the stage

a worship far more vital than for God
swept through the hall
and we were among true brethren

screamed until we could not speak tomorrow
listened until we could not hear
and i was even forced to eat my words
when the band started playing that deep cut

ultimately
the concert ended
the arena emptied
and we both grew up

i haven't spoken to Pat in sixteen years
and that happens
people in different directions

but i always think of him
when i listen to track three on
Killer