It stood out. The square, almost cube structure. With interesting dents and shapes, and towering angles and shades. A typical early May Dallas thunderstorm dusk provided incredible light. The air was heavy, the private party parking was curbside.
The interior was spotless, just as the exterior gardens were lush, interesting and maintained. The bamboos are growing back, the frog statues were lit like green neon, and the architecture had an appetizing effect, creating anticipation of the interior. Never had I been to the Perot Museum, despite its proximity, despite casting a presidential vote for its namesake, despite my friend's employment there. As the Chief operator he was responsible for all things, aesthetic or not. He pointed to an obscure, and custom, window that needed relplacing. It was cracked like a spider web. He was properly obsessive.
The great creatures of the past are being preserved at the Perot, space exploration is documented, and aspirations run wild. A place of wonder, and views. El Fenix among the glass towers, Warren Clyde, and development. Don't mess with Tex Mex! The West End, Arts Distric, Uptown, all seen from our behind the scenes perch on the staff deck. The Kentucky Derby was days away, the 2 minute dash everyone makes a fuss over. We were celebrating the upcoming race, which I usually watch. The party was Derby themed, which required intentional dressing.
I'll Have Another's Kentucky Derby win in 2012 gave me the chorus for Swaying California Brown, the first track off the Glowface project. Inspiration runs to the front, and I'll have another, make it two or three. However, in the case of the traditional derby day drink, two or three could put you in a whisky daze, and my whiskey daze days are over. So after one delicious Mint Julip, I switched to white wine.
And the Queen of the Underground is making bets on Kentucky Derby Days and talking to some rich folks she knows. My ragged company all drove away in the same rose pink Cadillac, and you know I could never be alone. Won't you send me Dead Flowers to my wedding, and I won't forget to put roses on your grave.