From the top of the piano
I glimpse him looking down
as I try, so very hard, to play
Scott Joplin the way he did.
A poor attempt, he would agree,
but I know he’d never admit it,
not in a thousand years; big softie,
as he always was.
He was young and dapper –
then; not even married. Grandpa
stands beside him at the swing.
Fifty years have flown since
and I notice how I echo the cleft
of his chin, and darkness
of his eyes...hair kind of wayward...
determined to do its own thing,
as is mine
and I muse how we two might
have been brothers, were it not
for the fact he knew much more
of time than I ever could.
Comments
tealwaves | July 20, 2012 - 16:01
very well written. you can tell you put time and purpose into the piece.
skinner_jennifer | July 20, 2012 - 17:33
What a thoughtful poem Rigel,
you've given a glimpse of your past,I really enjoyed reading.
Was your Father a pianist?
Jenny.
Rigel | July 20, 2012 - 18:05
He indeed was, Jennifer, and quite an accomplished one at that, in fact the title of this piece, one of Scott Joplin's, was his party piece, so to speak.
Good of you to read and leave such a thoughtful comment.
Rigel
Rigel | July 20, 2012 - 23:09
Thank you tealwaves. Good of you to say so.
Rigel
maggyvaneijk | July 21, 2012 - 16:28
I'm a fan of this piece. There a sad, slow rhythm to it.
Rigel | July 21, 2012 - 19:10
Takes someone with a 'musical ear' to pick up on that, maggy. Thank you.
Rigel
Parson Thru | July 21, 2012 - 23:19
Lovely, Rigel. Those genetic hooks are a funny thing. I sit in my dad's chair when I visit my mum and am shocked at the mannerisms that I spot. Embarrassed almost, and have to move.
Rigel | July 22, 2012 - 07:34
It sure is quite scary, sometimes. I know exactly what you mean.
Thanks for reading, Parson. Obliged to you.
Denzella | August 5, 2012 - 20:33
Rigel,another one to add to all of your poems that I have enjoyed.
All was good but I particularly liked the fourth stanza.
Keep them coming.
Moya