Music for airports

Mr. Billy is a fan of putting that album on the iPod where it was meant to be heard: in the airport. And I agree, usually, all that air and space within the score gives the whole experience an outworldly sensation, quiets an obsessing brain, brings a circle of peace in close around me.

But this trip, I chose Prokoviev's Romeo & Juliet, and all the draggled travellers became tragic heros. There were Lord & Lady Capulet, in their polo shirts for vacation, there Tybalt, earrings crawling up his left ear. Romeo with hair brushing past his collar, trying to look like he wasn't with his parents.

There Mercutio, the lithe black guy dancing down the concourse, eyes alive, ready to laugh.

Juliet was on my flight, mouth carefully closed over braces. Expensive black leather jacket, Mom's hair dyed to match hers, Dad too loud for them both.