My Funny Valentine

Glasses tinkle and there's a steady murmur of 
conversation as the club quickly fills to near capacity. 
He sits nursing his vodka tonic, waiting for the show 
to begin. 

The house lights dim and the stage is spot-lit 
as the musicians take their places. Chatter modulates 
to rapt attention as the first notes drift into the air. 

The band has chosen a ballad, 'My Funny Valentine' 
and the familiar strains bring claps of recognition 
from the audience. He closes his eyes to concentrate 
on the music, pleased they are playing her favorite tune. 
The moment is so powerful she is right there with him, 
swaying to the rhythm, nestled in his arms, 
light as a feather. 

It's a long, gentle rendition, almost twelve minutes. 
The band takes solos, drawing every nuance from 
the old standard, their improvisations bold and fresh. 
As they return to the melody the tune gradually 
dissolves into silence. 

The patrons respond with sustained applause. 
When he opens his eyes he finds himself surrounded 
by dancers, lovers in each others' arms, 
cradled in his own embrace.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Vaso Avatar
April 1, 2016 at 10:21 PM
Liked this, and the song you choose for the poem great!
Bickerstaffe Avatar
April 3, 2016 at 11:57 AM
Thank you Arthur... your remarks are much appreciated. Keith
Dalei Avatar
March 31, 2016 at 1:12 PM
Presentation is very nice.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
April 3, 2016 at 11:58 AM
Thanks so much Manmath... Best wishes, Keith
Buhain-Baello Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 7:12 PM
A lovely and dreamy prose, soothingly written to caress the senses with warm memories brought on by a song. I like the descriptive lines that made the scene (and sounds) alive in the mind, and the perfect ending lines. Wonderful feeling.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
April 3, 2016 at 12:00 PM
Many thanks Cynthia! Best wishes, Keith
Bauer Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 4:46 PM
i can picture the scene perfectly, keith! you've created the mood quite brilliantly...
Bickerstaffe Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 5:13 PM
Thank you Ilene... much appreciated. Keith
A   Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 3:39 PM
beautiful:)
Bickerstaffe Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 5:13 PM
Thanks PDA! much appreciated. Keith
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