by Joann Brosnan

Created on: April 25, 2008   Last Updated: May 05, 2008

It had been a long day. I closed the store at 10 PM and headed for home, stopping, on the way, for a quick drink to help me wind down. As I walked into the bar, I noted a larger than usual crowd, for a Wednesday night, and some pretty raucous music. It was Karaoke Night.

I settled near the back of the bar, where I could see without being seen. The victim at the microphone was a tall blond girl, young and pretty. She stood there snapping her fingers as the lead-in played. Someone shouted "Go Jerri!" and she started to sing. She gave it her all. Her rendition of "Bobby McGee" was heartfelt and dynamic and accompanied by a host of professional gestures and facial expressions. Only one thing was lacking she couldn't carry a tune in a basket! And the audience didn't care. They were with her 100%, stomping feet, clapping in rhythm and singing along and when she finished, giving her a standing ovation.

"Unbelievable," I thought, "I could do better than that," as I stole a glance at the songbook lying on the bar. I changed my order from beer to Bushmills, neat. Two more patrons took to the stage, one pretty good, the other so frightened he could hardly be heard whispering into the microphone.

Then I spotted my song. The Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" was one of my all-time favorites. I sang it in the car. I sang it in the shower. Quickly, I wrote the title, number and my name on a little slip of paper and handed it over. Then I settled back to consider what I'd done. Yes, I sang the song in the shower and the car and anywhere anyone couldn't hear me, but - OH MY GOD! - anywhere no one could hear me - THEY CAN HEAR ME - - AND SEE ME!

"Gimme another Bushmills. Make it a double. No, make that two doubles!"

I was waiting for my third double when I heard my name. I stood up just as it arrived and knocked it back. Then, knees shaking I climbed to the stage. As I took the microphone and looked out over the crowd, I could feel the warm curls of Dutch courage floating through my brain. I heard the first notes and leaned slightly forward. My eyes followed the little red dot on the screen as it blinked toward my cue. I threw back my head.

"One pill makes you larger
And one pill makes you small - - - -"

I gestured. I emoted. I SANG on key, in tune. I brought down the house. I was great. I was NOT Gracie Slick, not by a long shot. Better, I was me and I was having fun.

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