After so many years, I finally attended the show (Chicago Sep 7, 2022). It was cathartic since I lost my mother a day to the month before. But then again I found your music as I was on my way to visit my father in the hospital.
Looking for any kind of relief I scanned the radio band and instantly the sound struck me deep. 'No Light, No Light' was playing and I still feel an echo in my chest from the memory of its impact in that desperate moment. Even with my horrible attention span, I waited for the DJ to tell me the name of this band, praying that the signal would not be distorted.
"Florence----Machine"
'Florence... something machine?' 'AH! the signal must have broke just enough not to get the whole thing! I chanted 'Florence Machine, Florence Machine, Florence Machine!
Even with all the fear of death and pain of possible imminent loss; I made a mantra in my mind as I whispered on my lips the source of this ensorcelled sound, medicine of the mind. When I finally had the chance to look it up, my fate was sealed.

I can not believe the breadth of experiences that I have enjoyed and mourned to your music. To never know those who've impacted you so much is such a strange thing, I am grateful to have taken so much in anonymity.

In honor and honesty of what you've given me. I'd like to share a simple piece that came to me thanks to seeing you in person.

inspired by Florence and the Machine

What’s left to make
What’s left to take
What’s left in hold’n my hand…

No need to fake
No need to brake
It’s all been done before hand…

Your in my eyes
Your in my throat
An empty space in our plan

And In every passing car
Around every body’s back
A part of me longs
to see your face again.

No party comes to call
No flowers petals fall
A ghost of my hope
Still strings me along

Still stilted as I dance
Still beckoned to your call
A shadow of romance
Unrequited as I fall

~ Mark Rajca