4th Grade Music Room

Under her guidance, we stood at attention
Like a row of young soldiers, reciting the anthem
"Oh Say, Can You See?".. was a warbled contusion,
that could shatter your glasses, disturb other classes
out of tune, out of rhythm, but with avid enthusiasm 
it could rattle the rafters of our little school

And with childish delusions, we thought we were cool!

As we  stood in the room
she would move down the line
with a frown in the depth
of her leathery brow.  She would bow
till her ear matched our voice
and her hand would be poised
with two fingers that cued,
keeping time with the tune.

She would grit all her teeth
bite the inside of cheeks
Such a serious task!
it was all that she asked
that we please.."DO YOUR BEST!"

When we mastered, at last
She would gasp, then exclaim
as we sang each refrain,
mixed with tears, she would clap

I remember it now...
Here I stand in this row
with my hand on my heart
as the first strain imparts
Yes, I know those old words...
they'll remain part of me
'til the day that I die
"O Say, Can You See?"...still familiar to me

But no..............I can't see....
             with fresh tears in my eyes...

_________________________________________________
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Devnath  Avatar
July 13, 2016 at 1:05 PM
Filled with emotion, a beautiful poem. Congrats on your win with 7. Loved always my lovely smiling friend, bl
Parker Avatar
July 13, 2016 at 12:51 PM
Wow this took me way back to 1959 third grade our teacher would turn our palms up and with her two fingers tap lightly 1..2..3..1..2..3 with the music..congratulations
A   Avatar
July 13, 2016 at 12:58 AM
Hello Lovely Carrie, Congratulations on your awesome win. Thank you for the support. Stop by and enjoy the sanity of my newest Blog "In Red's Silent Fury." Always & Forever WUV ~LINDA~
Dietrich Avatar
May 2, 2013 at 2:35 PM
fantastic!!! It's super high for ME!! Congrats.
Posey Avatar
May 2, 2013 at 2:22 PM
Carrie, such talent will always prevail.... This one really touched me.... Jake
A   Avatar
May 1, 2013 at 7:03 PM
Carrie, congratulations in Robert's contest. ~LINDA
Oyewole Avatar
May 1, 2013 at 6:04 PM
Congrats on your win Carrie~A.O
Bauer Avatar
May 1, 2013 at 4:28 PM
this is wonderful! so touching and powerful. i really love this poem!
Heemstra Avatar
May 1, 2013 at 4:07 PM
I don't remember music in the fourth grade but I do remember learning the foxtrot. Thanks for the entry.
Zerbst Avatar
April 22, 2013 at 11:05 AM
Nicely done! Powerful ending there!
Horne Avatar
April 19, 2013 at 2:40 PM
lovely write, Carrie and the ending is beautiful
Ober Avatar
April 19, 2013 at 2:16 PM
This is truly a work of art, Carrie. I'm adding it to my favourites. That ending... Wow. Amazing job!
Carrillo Avatar
April 18, 2013 at 3:22 PM
Carrie; This is a beautiful poem. The National Anthem is beautiful. I too remember when I was in that grade. Thanks for sharing...... Lucilla
Hunter Avatar
April 18, 2013 at 6:41 AM
Outstanding, Carrie. It makes me think back to the same situations in my own life....thank you for that.
Horsman Avatar
April 18, 2013 at 2:38 AM
It all made for a wonderful poem, Carrie, love the message this carries also...
Trifiatis Avatar
April 17, 2013 at 10:44 AM
Oh, what a wonderful poem has she writtenI The memories of childhood, when all things were so true and so real! No matter what the country, the love of home is so great! Have enjoyed it! Thank you!
Onclaud Avatar
April 16, 2013 at 2:59 PM
you will never lose your magic touch,carrie... a most winsome piece that fills the senses with such charm... thanks for your support and warmth.. yes, i'm somehow back!..:) huggs and loving wishes!..:)
Kapoor Avatar
April 15, 2013 at 10:36 PM
You have given a touching tribute to any national anthem. Blessed are the country and its people, which possess a teacher like your teacher and a poet like you my friend. Nothing is greater than the nation. Great write Carrie. Hope you are keeping very fine. Love and best wishes always....Ravindra
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace