The Audiophile

The audiophile is a salesman In a moment, he sees me down at the 'low end' of things with $200 headphones $4000 headphones 'what's the difference?' he says, and whispers, 'Most people won't even hear it' His tone tickles my ear He acknowledges me as if he and I are in the same tribe Brothers, connected We are both appreciators of nuance Understanding of the complicated true nature of high end audio The audiophile wants to take me on a journey. Or at least start me off on a journey of my own, when I'm ready How far might I travel with his assistance? Maybe, all the way. He tells me I may not notice it at first. But over time, my ears will begin to hear Hear the difference between vacuum tube and transistor copper and gold Science and pseudo-science Remember, it's a journey But he can tell I'm not ready Not ready to commit to take this journey with him not all the way, not yet So he treads gently... We listen to a recording of solo spanish guitar Through $22,000 dollar speakers The audiophile asks, 'can you feel him sitting here, in the room with us?'I reply yes... yes On the verge of conversion It occurs to me Maybe I've been missing something This journey, is a one-way trip Connected to a part of the brain much deeper than the ear The audiophile's intensity increases Sensing my weakness, he pounces... but too soon, for I've already found my escape This technology, it's not about the sound It's just something in the way that it tickles your ears. And some people like having their ears tickled