She walked in unnoticed, shaking rain from an umbrella. A Victorian home. Lightning flashing through the windows. Why tonight?
She knew them allâexcept one. A quick glance, just out of curiosity. He looks young.
âYou made it,â said a familiar voice from behind the makeshift bar. âI was afraid the storm would⊠Well, itâs good for you to get out.â
Music played, barely heard above the thunder. People danced, the old floorboards singing along with each movement.
âWhy donât you ask him to dance?â a more familiar voice offered. âHe doesnât know anyone here.â
Another glance. Longer this time.
She felt an unfamiliar attraction. Buried deep. Starved. It’s only a dance.
They met at the makeshift bar. His eyes, her smile.
The song played, as if selected from a jukebox menu. She followed him through the crowd to the dance floor, helplessly thinking about what it would feel like to be held by someone newâsomeone different.
She felt warm and safe. Desired.
His touch was gentle, but not weak. They fit together, formed for this moment.
Justified (song lyrics)
A glance
Didn’t mean much
A dance
A soft touch
Restless hearts need new starts
Playing smart
A work of art
It’s real
It’s a deep feel
It’s love
Looks that kill
Getting stronger
It’s been so long
It’s justified
A chance
Didn’t seem such
We danced
Our hearts touched
Played to win
Settled in
Scarred
But never again
Never thought I’d see it through
Knew there would have to be a you
Spending lonely nights all in vain
Secret sorrow
Myself to blame
It’s real
It’s a deep feel
It’s love
Looks that kill
Getting stronger
It’s been so long
It’s justified
Author Note:
This scene is a part of the Permanence collection.
Dear Jamison,
Goosebump City, my talented friend! Good gravy, Gracie, this is sultry hot and romantic, all in a Victorian setting, which piles it on like more goose feathers to a feather bed!
I really needed this little getaway with my sister’s recent cancer diagnosis, and what that’s doing to my … muse. It’s hard to do anything much these days. Forgive my lateness here. A Fabulous book for February, absolutely beautiful!
Sal :))
Jamison, you no longer just give us a story, you give us a vision through your music and video. This sounds like a song I’d hear on a country music station. Romantic and with words and music that someone could easily sing along with.
It would be nice if “the right person” caught your work on YouTube:-)
xo
I too would like “the right person” to stop by. We will see… Thank you, Pam.
A true romantic.
We can never have too much romance, Ann. I don’t know how popular it is anymore, though.Â
Your ingenuity in pairing a story with lyrics, enhanced by a haunting melody is a fine and emotive blend of artistry, Jamison.
This one feels biographical and is framed by a sense of wonderment.
I am deeply moved!
Some moments seem bigger than any single story, poem, or song can hold. Â They’re just pieces of something I’m still working through. Â And “biographical” might be closer than you know. Â As always, thank you, K.
Another love story putting the lyrics to music. Keep writing, you definitely have true talent. I love this one too!
This was an easy one… what a night that was.
Jim – Are you sure we don’t know each other from a long time ago?
LOL, anything’s possible, Dick. I’m certainly blessed to know you now.
Jamison, this feels like it could so easily have been the beginning of the love affair of the last few poems and songs. There is such a sensual tension between them as they float across the dance floor.
As the attraction builds she is yearning for one night with someone who makes her body tremble, each of their hearts are aching for the other to make the first move.
Did their passion truly justify it? I suppose that it felt like it at the time. I was a little hypnotized by it myself.
Even if this isn’t the first part, I believe it a wonderful expression of forbidden love and a beautifully written poem.
PS, I wasn’t able to listen to the audio part of this one. Not sure it it was on my end or yours.
“Hypnotized”âthat’s the word I needed to hear. Thank you, Debi.
Get an agent to advertise these song lyrics/music! Youâve got talent to share
The music is a lot of fun, Jane. I did it the hard way for many years… There’s a lot of competition around now. Maybe there will be a niche for me. We will see. Thank you, my good friend.