Synthesia

Synthesia is defined as a coalescing of one’s senses. It is a phenomenon where the five senses are securely linked. Today, it is described as a “disorder” though I would describe it as a sixth sense. It does not obstruct me. In fact, it avails me in experiencing and feeling life in a thoroughly different but beautiful way.

Where one hears music, I visually perceive a breathtaking exhibit of flashing and swirling color. My vision becomes a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues.

This particular aspect of my synthesia I have been most thankful for. After all, music has played a key role in marking momentous and memorable occasions.

I can recall lying in bed as a puerile child and my mother would sing me a lullaby to draw me to slumber. Lilac and blue hues flashed and then faded to ebony as I drifted off to slumber.

My first concert was a sight to behold. I could feel the beat of the music coursing through my veins as I raised my hands with the crowd and sang the words out loud and clear. The scarlet hue that tinted my view commixed with the flashing strobe lights as I became one with the crowd. I had never felt so alive.

Then the time came for my first prom. My view of the scene afore me blushed pink as I danced with someone for the first time.

And then came the time for me to marry. My vision virtually glowed yellow as the organ played but, throughout the golden mist, I could still see the love of my life at the end of the aisle.

Then there was the day my mother died. The music played soft and slow and greys and blues mixed with tears as I stared down at the floor. When I came home that night, a hollow feeling had rooted itself firmly in my gut. I did not listen to music for a very long time.

And then one day I turned on the radio and my vision of was bright once more.

At last, There came a time when I had my own child. Beautiful and bright-eyed, she lit up my life. I recollect taking her home and laying her in the crib for the first time and then singing the lullaby my mother had sung to lull me to sleep. Familiar hues danced before me and life was wonderful.

She grew up too quickly, as most children do, and her graduation was soon upon us. Orange was the shade that I saw as the music sounded throughout the large room and the graduates throw their hats and my daughter was grown.

Time passed swiftly and I have grown old and my body creaky. That leads me to where I am today, lying in a bed with startlingly white sheets and covers. My family circumvents me and they all look sad.

And then they begin to sing.

I can scarcely tell through the fog of my mind but I think it’s a hymn. And then, for the last time, the colors appear.

Scarlet
Green
Amber
My pulse is slowing.
Lilac
Turquoise
Blue
Grey
It’s time to rest.
Pink
Yellow
White
And then
Black.