The Key

The Key


I don’t practice anymore
I play
But oh what a chore it was
Growing up 
Being told
Every day
Go practice the piano
The scales 
And arpeggios
When all I wanted
Was to play a tune
Sing the blues
Get lost in a song
Who knew 
That hours sown then
I would reap now
In enjoyment found
Sitting down
To play again
With an old friend
Just a few notes 
The melody free
The music mimics
Me
That is the key
Major or minor
No sound is finer


Words: ©2019LCR
Notes: A write in 88 words for the 88 keys of the piano with a slightly syncopated rhythm
Song: Sampha (No One Knows Me) Like the Piano
Submitted to: Poets United - Hobbies




Comments

  1. I envy you being able to play an instrument. I always longed to. We were too poor when I was a kid, and then I was too poor as a single mom, hough my kids got to play........and then I got too tired. LOL. I wanted to play violin like a veteran, it seemed impossible to start off with twinkle, twinkle.

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    1. I hated going to lessons and always wanted to quit. I’m so glad my mother never let me. The piano in my house now is the one I grew up playing so I know each stroke of the keys and how she sounds. It’s very comforting. Now I make my kids take lessons. Lol.

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  2. you tell this passion for the piano keys so well. Enjoyed your poem, thanks for dropping by to read mine


    Much❤🕊❤love

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    1. Thanks so much! Appreciate you taking the time to read mine too!

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  3. The playing is always more fun than the dictated finger-work that gets the soul there.

    I really like how the frustration of long ago is quite present in the poem. The same goes for the joy of playing... all at once. Like music--wild and balanced... fun!

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    1. Yes what once was a chore has become a pleasure. Thank you for such a wonderful prompt. 🎼

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  4. I was taught how to play the piano by my mother who was self taught and played by ear. I understand your frustrattion but love your joy at playing "real" music.

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    1. I was trained in the royal conservatory of music. So was only ever taught classical pieces but once I could sight read I would play pop songs. My teacher finally relented and let me do a bit of both. I have more appreciation for the classical now. But it is frustrating when my fingers won’t cooperate!

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  5. Loved this poem. Can relate so well. Sadly as you would know, there are so many pieces in the repertoire that one cannot play any longer because of lack of practice. I will always find a place for a piano.

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    1. I do relate! It’s funny though how I can hear a song and my fingers will begin to pick up the notes again. I’m sure there’s some muscle memory involved. Like riding a bike. I always hated making mistakes but now I just play through them and carry on with the tune as it’s usually only myself I’m playing for.

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  6. Treasure the gift you have, I never had the oportunity to learn to play the piano.

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    1. Thank you. I do. It was my dad that bought the piano. He always wanted to learn how to play. He never did but I got to as a result. (He’s a fantastic drummer though!)

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  7. I miss playing instruments. I love the piano, but my parents couldn’t afford one or piano lessons, so I settled for the guitar. As a child, I picked out tunes on my grandmother’s and great aunt’s pianos whenever I visited. I even got some free lessons from a music teacher at high school for a while. But the guitar was affordable, and I could carry it from place to place.
    I love the shift from past chore to singing the blues and getting lost in a song, and the social aspect of playing piano with an old friend.

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    1. I always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. To be able to play for friends around a campfire. Music you can carry with you wherever you go.

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  8. Love how the word 'play' plays here. And I agree 100% with Old Egg.

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    1. Thank you. Whereas I used to practice for perfection now I just play for fun. Much more enjoyable to play! :)

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  9. I love the nostalgia and passion in this poem!! 💖💖💖

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  10. How wonderful that those lessons were not in vain. I wish I could play an instrument.

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    1. I definitely appreciate them now although I didn't at the time. It's never too late to learn!

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