It was time to learn to play the glockenspiel

I was in the eight grade.
He was in 7th.
He played the snare drum for the school band.

I didn't.

I didn't play any instrument.
My brief time with the clarinet ended when school let out for the summer in 6th grade.

I was not to be detered.
I had fallen in love
I had seen him in the school yard or passing through the halls.
With his blonde hair and John Denver glasses.

A part of me thought
If he got to know me, he would like me.

I don't even know where the crazy idea came from.
Looking back now, it felt almost like a dare.

Someone suggested the glockenspiel.

The band had one. A huge metal thing.
Seemed like a simple plan. The band director entrusted me with the instrument, some sheet music and a plastic wand.
It was the thing I needed to get me into the percussion section.

There were early morning band practices
and after school band practices.
I had to carry that thing back and forth to school. 
I lugged it around for months.

Nothing ever became of that love affair. 
Or my musical career.

Years later a friend called me at home on a Friday night. 
She said,
Quick, turn on the t.v.
It was one of those hourly news magazine.
They were profiling a rock & roll band trying to make it big. 

The blonde hair was short and the glasses were different.
But he was still playing the drums.