A HARMONY WITH THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW, Elijah Harper
The story of my life is best told through a collection of sounds. Like flipping through the pages of a jukebox, the highs and lows right there waiting to be told on every page.
I was born free, but found myself confined to a city motivated by condos, coffee and cannabis shops. Millions of people so close, but so far from the truth.
The truth that the narrowing concrete walls of a colonial worldview punish those who don’t flow with the straightened channel.
As I awaken from another dull and blunted slumber, before counting the blessings of another day, I jump on my bike and ride down to the valley.
There I sit at the river’s edge, no headphones, no distractions. Just me, the trees and the quiet trickling of the river to satisfy my soul. The beauty of life transcends language.
You see, it’s not that I don’t care or that I’m uninterested, it’s that I’d rather save my breath than waste it in a voice that is inherently limited.
quiet, peaceful sound of water trickling down a river stream
soundscape is gradually layered with gentle, rolling piano melodies
the harmonious chords shift, hinting at a past loss or disruption.
the sound of water continues, creating a steady backdrop.
distant noises of trains passing and horns blowing
the closing of gates and the hissing of bus doors
train and bus sounds continue
the sound of a bicycle riding
gears turning and wheels spinning
violins and orchestral elements join in
river sounds continue
sounds of police sirens emerge in the distance
orchestral music persists alongside, blending with the ongoing river sounds
narrator pauses
sound of a deep inhale and exhale
police sirens grow louder, clashing with the tranquility of the river
a melodic harpsichord enters, followed by the sudden introduction of a dark, aggressive hip-hop beat
police sirens return
the beat evolves, then deconstructs, before breaking down completely
river sounds
white noise emerges, fading in and out
ending in a fragmented, unresolved silence