One, Two, Three, Four

Try as I might....I could not get it right Small fingers that stretched over the chipped ivory whites While scrunching her face, with that crabapple frown She would tap out the beat, with her eyes looking down "One, two, three, four"...."One, two, three, four,"... "Try once more"....she would say round and round I would sigh, I would stumble, my fingers would pound... She would point at the notes, with a yellow Number 2.... She would circle the flats...and would circle sharps too... "One, two, three, four"....."One, two, three, four".... Can't even bother to look for the door In a room stifling hot, too warm for humans, Perspiration would bead and shine on her face ..."The thermostat's at 80*", she so gleefully would say... "It helps old bones keep limber, keeps my knees from giving way" A scent of Vick's Vapo Rub when she leaned in too close "For the horrors of my allergies"....I'd roast while she would boast A Kleenex all waded....a ball in her fist, Her glasses hung from her nose...(that constantly dripped!) "One, two, three, four"....One, two, three, four".... Oh how I wanted to run straight out the door! "Now, try it again", .....as I glanced through the glass Out to the sun and the summertime grass With the sidewalk so ripe, for skinning my knees And hopscotch, or jump rope, or roller skate keys... A day.......NOT for Mozart, or Bach, or Beethoven...THOSE guys!!! How could those grim, long dead dudes, wearing wigs in disguise Understand a little girl's heart? "One, two, three, four"...."One, two, three, four", Oh how I wanted to run straight out the door! ... But now,.......my dear teacher,......I wish you could know How I grew to love music, and remember those days When you gave me the knowledge and a spirit to play A wonderful gift, which I cherish today.... "One, two, three, four"......the sound of it rings in my memory's core I will play you a melody...and perhaps even more.... One, two, three, four....one, two, three, four,...one, two, three, four... I still hear the sound of your voice, chanting the beat...and the score.... I will remember those moments, and to say even more I thank you, Miss Ella and I will ever more....... __________________________________ Miss Ella Mae Engle.....Rest in Peace, God Bless You, and Thank you from my heart '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' By Carrie Richards .......age 10 "You're A Little Kid Again" Contest: Sponsored by Juli-Michelle