Recital

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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. I 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. 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."

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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Richard Lamoureux

Date: 12/1/2019 8:45:00 AM

This brings back memories of our son’s recitals.

Mark Toney
Date: 12/1/2019 12:18:00 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

Date: 10/24/2019 8:30:00 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
Date: 10/24/2019 10:02:00 AM

Thank you for your kind and gracious comment, Constance! ~Mark

P.S. Awtry

Date: 1/2/2019 6:15:00 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
Date: 1/2/2019 10:13:00 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

Date: 5/31/2018 7:54:00 PM

A excellent poem of encouragement and description and telling.

Mark Toney
Date: 5/31/2018 8:29:00 PM

Thank you so much, Ronald.

Barbara Barry-Nishanian

Date: 4/23/2018 4:03:00 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
Date: 4/23/2018 11:49:00 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.