Appreciating Springtime Afternoons

It was already an exceptional day.  Public defenders rarely leave the courthouse with a beaming smile, but this just happened to be one of those days; the taste of victory was still lingering sweetly in my mouth.  On my short walk from courthouse to office lies City Hall- a massive display of architectural frivolity.  From the depths of its ominously high walls escaped the glistening sound of trumpets and saxophones, dampening the sirens, traffic and ever-lingering protestors of downtown Philadelphia. 

City Hall boasts a large inner courtyard, situated at what would be the crossroads of the city's two main streets, but for the structure of City Hall itself, forcing these great roads to meander around it.  It was here, in the open air, drenched in the light, crisp rays of springtime, where the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia chose to offer its sounds to the public on this beautiful day.

 A free lunchtime concert!  As word spread across the streets, the throng of jurors, students, and beaurocrats steadily grew, as did the applause. 

The music was superb.  And although all of the artists were dressed in black, one saxophonists boasted a bright red Phillies baseball cap- it was worn with just the right touch of hometown pride; it made the ensemble look at home.

Said as more of a statement of fact, a summation of what we had heard, an announcer asked, "Jazz is alive in Philadelphia, right?"

Resounding applause, whistles, and hollers.

The courtyard is lined with trees, and their early spring cherry blossoms are now mostly scattered across the ground.  When a breeze struck, the petals swirled thickly over the musicians, like a baby pink blizzard.  Like confetti, celebrating the victory of one very content, very grateful public defender.  Jazz is not the only thing alive here, so is hope.