flamgirlant

The Poison Tree - “Welcome To The Neighborhood”

In high school I had a serious crush on my French teacher.  I didn’t take French until my sophomore year, but caught on incredibly quickly.  I threw off the curve.  Mr. L and I would sit in the back of class playing Mille Bornes and talk in French about how stupid the rest of the kids were while they all retook the test they failed but I aced.  He skipped me ahead a year.  My efforts overreached my abilities but he encouraged it.  I dreamed in French.  My major first time through college, thanks to him.

He was tall and blonde.  Occasional mustache or beard.  He had a bit of a mullet and it was often permed.  He wore Zubaz.  And ugly Cosby sweaters.  But oh, was he dry.  And sarcastic.  Passionate.  Funny.

He’d play music while we took tests or worked on projects.  When it wasn’t French music, it was Harry Chapin.

Steve Salett and The Poison Tree remind me of Harry Chapin.  Seemingly simple melodies full of depth.  Songs you’ll find yourself humming under your breath without knowing.  A rich, unassuming voice that can catch you off guard.

I’m charmed. 

I bet Mr. L would love this.