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The Vinyl Bridge

July 21, 2021 10 Comments

By Archibald Hobbs

Rummaging in the record store, I seize upon the worn album; my folks’ favourite when I was a child. Its guitar riffs still echo from the woodwork of their home and the lyrics still whisper from the walls.

Such sublime harmonies. Yet the folk duo’s own relationship seldom rhymed.

At the counter, I see that ‘Jenny’ once claimed this copy in dark blue pen. But ‘Ben’ had crossed out her name and, in agitated text, scrawled, ‘Mine long before you shredded my soul.’

At home, under a wistful moon, I hold my wife close and slow dance to the soothing rhythm.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. John Holmes says

    July 21, 2021 at 8:22 am

    A clever story. Very enjoyable.
    It surely must have happened!

    Reply
  2. b. says

    July 21, 2021 at 8:42 am

    From a vinyl lover, thanks for the memories!

    Reply
    • RS says

      July 21, 2021 at 10:02 am

      Ah – left me feeling nostalgic and romantic

      Reply
  3. Indra Raj Pathak says

    July 21, 2021 at 10:04 am

    Words gave life to past memories. It’s commendable.

    Reply
  4. Archibald Hobbs says

    July 21, 2021 at 6:42 pm

    Thank you for your comments. Much appreciated.

    Has anybody identified the album? There are clues in the title and in the second paragraph.

    Cheers,

    Reply
  5. MaryEllen says

    July 21, 2021 at 7:59 pm

    Simon & Garfunkel?

    Reply
  6. Amanda Barusch says

    July 22, 2021 at 5:47 pm

    What a lovely nostalgic tale – and a puzzle to boot! I think it’s Bridge Over Troubled Waters.

    Reply
    • Archibald Hobbs says

      July 22, 2021 at 6:52 pm

      Well done Amanda! Correct!

      My parents truly played that album endlessly when I was a growing up, which probably explains why I remain a huge S&G fan.

      I finally got to see the aging duo in concert when they toured Australia about 5 years ago. It was quite a thrill.

      Reply
  7. Amanda Barusch says

    July 22, 2021 at 5:49 pm

    p.s. You make me want to rush out and get a record player!

    Reply
  8. Archibald Hobbs says

    July 22, 2021 at 6:52 pm

    Well done Amanda! Correct!

    My parents truly played that album endlessly when I was a growing up, which probably explains why I remain a huge S&G fan.

    I finally got to see the aging duo in concert when they toured Australia about 5 years ago. It was quite a thrill.

    Reply

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