Saturday, November 18, 2017

November 18: Pianist

The pianist couldn’t read music. I could 
Read the fear on his face when a line 
Of notes stared him down. He knew 
Each distinct sound of a b c d e f g 
Major sharp flat. How pleasant the sound 
Of a planned life. Few are improvisers
Most want the safety of another 
Composer’s melodies carefully written out. 
Performers envy the composer’s genius
Their ability to create sound coming 
From within filling the empty chest. 
Careful planning equals mistakes equals 
Diversions along the way. Planners don’t 
Ride the music like he did, let it take them 
In any direction. Planners follow 
A predetermined course, that doesn’t sound 
As fulfilling as the feeling his playing created
Of right time, right place, right here.

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