Mark Toney Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Published on November 22, 2024, in PoertrySoup's fourth anthology, Radient Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry, Copyright © 2024 by Arczis Web Technologies, Inc. The poems contained therein are copyright of their respective authors.

September 18, 2020
EoW (2) MUSIC
Brian Strand, sponsor

A friend's daughter was going to give her first piano recital, and my wife and I were invited. We had never been to a piano recital before, so it was a very interesting experience.  She was age 11 or 12 at the time, and there were other young players giving their recitals too.  When it came time for her to come out, we were all super nervous.  She came out cool as a cucumber, and her playing was excellent.  The song she played was Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.  I wrote this poem for her within a few days after the recital.  I originally titled it "Katie With a K" after her first name.  Years later I changed it to "Recital."

Recital

Expectation rushes in
as her silent walk begins
All eyes staring,
watching for a hint of emotion,
but none revealed
as she takes her place among the muses

No one breathes as her studious eyes
examine the two-dimensional codes ...
Then silence breaks
as both hands spring into fantastical dance
on an ever-changing ivory and ebony stage

Mellifluous tones, conspicuously full and rich,
transport all on an uplifting emotional journey
Ears, minds, hearts, and lungs
feasting on delicious pabulum of spirit

Soon tortuous movements diminish
and fantastical dance declines ...
With final notes
striking harmonious chords
deep into our psyche,
our ethereal journey ends
as we gently land where we began

She pauses, then rises
to a cacophony of applause
All eyes staring,
watching for a hint of emotion as she exits,
but none revealed
save a quick glance and brief smile,
acknowledging her proud parents' pounding hearts
misting eyes and beaming faces

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CayCay Godwin October 10, 2025 at 3:29 AM I hope you shared this poem with the girl and her family. You take the reader 'there', I heard, saw and felt via your pen. Yes, I thought I'd check out your 1st post, so very glad I did. Mark Toney October 10, 2025 at 5:04 AM Yes, the parent’s knew right away. How thoughtful of you, CayCay. You made my day!

Richard Lamoureux December 1, 2019 at 8:45 AM This brings back memories of our son’s recitals. Mark Toney December 1, 2019 at 12:18 PM Richard, I'm glad it triggered some good memories for you. I want you to know that I appreciate your taking time to visit some of my poetry today. Cheers! ~Mark

Constance La France October 24, 2019 at 8:30 AM Mark, this is beautiful tribute to that little Katie, a music tribute to her piano playing and congratulations on your Podium Place in Brian's Blog Series today ! Mark Toney October 24, 2019 at 10:02 AM Thank you for your kind and gracious comment, Constance! ~Mark

P.S. Awtry January 2, 2019 at 6:15 PM Save a quick glance & brief smile Acknowledging her proud parent's pounding hearts,-- As a mom I know this moment! I could almost hear the music! beautiful! Mark Toney January 2, 2019 at 10:13 PM P.S., I’m so glad you liked this one. Thank you so much for taking time to send some encouragement my way! ~Mark

Ronald A. Williams May 31, 2018 at 7:54 PM A excellent poem of encouragement and description and telling. Mark Toney May 31, 2018 at 8:29 PM Thank you so much, Ronald.

Barbara Barry-Nishanian April 23, 2018 at 4:03 PM "Ever changing ivory and ebony stage". Visual picture clearly drawn. "Ethereal journey ends". Beg to differ...remains FOREVER in heart and mind of parents, dear poet.. Mark...are you the 'Toney 'Peter and I just saw few day's ago.? Name not that common. Mark Toney April 23, 2018 at 11:49 PM I'm so glad you found me, Barbara. When you, Peter and I talked a few days ago, you were excited to tell me about poetrysoup.com. So I checked out the site and decided to join. Thanks for sharing! Give my regards to Peter.