Notes About The Poem

Clair De Lune

I would practice each day without satisfaction,
longing to capture the moon's oratory.
DeBussy, God, help me, I should say that I'm sorry!
Though my fingers were nimble, I'd lose concentration,
and fumble along with a grumble and sigh. 

Provoking the chords, that should tumble and rise
into a glorious, exquisite river of mist.  
But, when thumbs went adrift, beyond the abyss,
     I'd return to the first bar, and start once again. 
-
I'd retrace every note of the measure and time.  And time after time,
I'd assault a B-flat, where a C-sharp should chime.
All my hopes and my schemes came from this longing to please.
My dreams to succeed, and to offer this gift.  
To grant her the wish. 
The rapture, to swoon, as I played 'Clair de Lune'.

      My mother's favorite. -- And I aimed for the moon
__
I remember my mother with dishes piled high,
soap on her nose,
calling out from the kitchen.
“That time, much better!”

Or my dad, in the dark room, Walter Cronkite, his companion,
calling out from the shadows,
“I think now, you've got it!”

Tonight in the dim light,
I'll watch how the moonlight,
slides over the piano, sliding over the keys.

It seems that the moon knows,
that time cannot stand still.
That years come and the years go.
But the tune, is the same tune, and the moon is the same moon.
   And DeBussy still winces in the place I called home.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Watt Avatar
August 26, 2022 at 7:35 PM
Carrie, I discovered this today in your book and had to stop by to tell you what a joy it was to read (and read again). You describe so aptly the aspirations and frustrations of a young piano student as parents call out their tempered encouragement from sink and TV. So real and relatable! Your finish is both poetic and philosophical as the unwavering moon and tune provide a counterpoint to the passage of time. And what musical acolyte hasn't felt that disapproving wince from a great composer? Delightful, and a fave for me. Keep aiming for the moon, Carrie ~ John
Richards Avatar
August 27, 2022 at 8:17 AM
What a lovely comment John. I have a tendency to ramble and get lost in my own poetry writing, that I often lose the reader along the way. It is so rewarding to receive such kind words, and I'm grateful you took the time to post this. Thank you! And Thank you so much for supporting our little book! Truly !! :)
Peterson Avatar
September 10, 2018 at 1:16 PM
It's been awhile since I sampled your poetry, and what a reward. Your facility with verse has risen far. I loved how you developed this, line by line, bringing it literally home. Marvelous with great staying power in my soul.
Richards Avatar
September 10, 2018 at 7:49 PM
Such lovely words to hear Mark. Thank you for such kind encouragement!
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 18, 2018 at 6:10 PM
It is no surprise to me that this beauty came in first place Carrie! Congratulations on your deserving win! : )
Richards Avatar
September 10, 2018 at 7:50 PM
You are so generous as always, Connie. Thank you so much!
Cornish Avatar
August 18, 2018 at 1:30 PM
I love where you took this, past to thoughtful present. I've found that no one captures the true essence of life like you, and I'm a big time sucker for that "real" nostalgia that takes me back and I'm quite sure takes many back even from other generations.
Richards Avatar
September 10, 2018 at 7:51 PM
You have always been such a great supporter of my poetry. Such encouragement makes me want to try harder :) Thank you once again!
Gentry Avatar
August 18, 2018 at 7:15 AM
Congratulations on your #1 win. Simply beautiful!
Richards Avatar
September 10, 2018 at 7:51 PM
Thank you so much, Susan !
Harding Avatar
August 18, 2018 at 12:20 AM
Wow. That is just beautiful, Carrie. Congratulations on your grand win - it was well deserve. Definitely a fave for me!
Richards Avatar
September 10, 2018 at 7:51 PM
So kind of you to say, ......thank you Lycia!!
Jung Avatar
August 17, 2018 at 3:06 PM
Lovely poem, congratulations!
Richards Avatar
August 17, 2018 at 4:50 PM
Thank you very much, Andrew! :)
Wigley Avatar
August 17, 2018 at 1:32 AM
Excellent, Carrie, a wonderful piece. You have certainly found your feet again. A worthy winner. Viv x
Richards Avatar
August 17, 2018 at 4:52 PM
And I thank you very much for the encouragement, Viv!
Waters Avatar
August 17, 2018 at 12:27 AM
beautiful = congratulations on top win.
Richards Avatar
August 17, 2018 at 4:52 PM
Thanks so much!
Onclaud Avatar
August 16, 2018 at 7:21 PM
always on top of the heap, carrie... here once more to send my big congrats... huggs
Richards Avatar
August 17, 2018 at 4:53 PM
As are you dear Nette! Thank you !
Cozart Avatar
August 16, 2018 at 6:56 PM
Back to say congrats! I knew this was a winner!
Richards Avatar
August 17, 2018 at 4:53 PM
So kind of you to say ! Thank you Dale!
Gauthier Avatar
August 16, 2018 at 6:24 PM
Lovely, Carrie. I so enjoyed your poem. Congrats on your much deserved gold medal win.
Richards Avatar
August 17, 2018 at 4:53 PM
Thanks very much, Line!
Kamoonpuri Avatar
August 11, 2018 at 1:10 PM
As a lunar lover I enjoyed ESP all the lines that u creatively thought up mentions and references to the moon. Same moon but inspired u into an altogether interesting poem wow. Kudos. Pleez do write your thoughts/comment under my newest poem too.
Richards Avatar
August 17, 2018 at 4:54 PM
Thanks for stopping by !! Appreciate your words !!
Cozart Avatar
August 11, 2018 at 10:18 AM
Rich and beautiful, Carrie. Looks like a winner.
Richards Avatar
August 11, 2018 at 10:42 AM
Thank you so much, Dale! There are so many wonderful poets here now, that one can only hope to please ! But thank you!!
Godwin Avatar
August 11, 2018 at 6:20 AM
Just beautiful and a joy to read. All the best ... CayCay
Richards Avatar
August 11, 2018 at 10:40 AM
Thank you CayCay. I haven't written for awhile, but it is heartwarming to come back to such kind words! Thank you!
Onclaud Avatar
August 11, 2018 at 2:48 AM
ohh, this gives off a captivating feel of a moment rendered elegantly through your artwords, carrie...a timeless piece!...huggs
Richards Avatar
August 11, 2018 at 10:40 AM
Nette.......you write such exquisite poetry, that a compliment from you is such an honor . Thank you!
Ashley Avatar
August 10, 2018 at 9:45 PM
Wow! Carrie, I was captured in the bliss of your breathtaking write. Your poem is an exquisite beauty of emotions and imagery enchanted and enlivened by the scintillating gift of your poetic talent. Absolutely gorgeous on every level and a fav! Best wishes for win! ~Susan
Richards Avatar
August 11, 2018 at 10:39 AM
What a lovely compliment, Susan ! Thanks so much !!
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 10, 2018 at 9:27 PM
You captured the essence of yesteryear so beautifully in this nostalgic piece Carrie. You ended this exquisitely! : )
Richards Avatar
August 11, 2018 at 10:38 AM
Thank you Connie. You are always so generous with your kind words !!
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