Silent Piano

My late father 
    played gorgeous music 
on his Steinway 
Debussy, Ravel, Beethoven 
    along with his own compositions
He set eight of my poems to music 
   I sang while he played
Every Hanukkah he would play "Rock of Ages"
   on the keyboard
 The piano is silent now 
His students preserve his legacy 
   with their compositions 
Music - like poetry 
can melt the heart 
I sit here on an autumn day 
Remembering my father 
People leave this mortal coil 
That is our fate! 
But some leave behind great poetry and 
   music in their wake 
   Seems like they are almost immortal!
The piano is silent now
   But I am still here 
and hopefully inscribed 
   in the book of life for a good year
My father being gone for a number of years 
   he left his mark on future generations 
by giving them the gift of music 
And he left 4 new individuals in his wake 
I am one 
I was a fairly good son 
The piano is silent now 
But memory persists 
  And one can take joy in that!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
November 6, 2019 at 7:20 PM
i can't seem to find one I have not already commented to, but returning to this one, I can say it's still a fave for me.
Kiser Avatar
November 6, 2019 at 2:19 PM
A beautiful piece, love the descriptive imagery here.
Theraven Avatar
October 17, 2019 at 10:34 PM
Mathew, Such a wonderful tribute to a father's legacy, truly. Love goes on and on. -Richard
De Beaulieu Avatar
October 16, 2019 at 5:15 PM
Hello Matthew Anish, I enjoy classical music.I listen to these CD"s often. Because i do enjoy them. Beethoven is my fav. I also like the piano I like the sound of it. I just enjoy classical music and other ttypes of music to. Have a nice day my friend.
Kulkarni Avatar
October 14, 2019 at 9:31 PM
Although your father is gone his memories are alive in you! It was very nice to read them! All the very best!
Laurie Avatar
October 14, 2019 at 7:11 PM
Hello Matthew … a nice tribute to your father and the skill that he possessed. You must have wonderful memories indeed and thank you for sharing some of them Matthew - Lindsay
Rodrigues Avatar
October 14, 2019 at 6:13 PM
The stillness of preserved memories! <3 Kim
Rose  Avatar
October 14, 2019 at 2:38 PM
I can tell how enriched you were by his presence and musical talent. Thank you for sharing your sweet memories. I am sure there is a part of him in you, everyday, Otherwise you would not be able to create such beautiful poetry. thank you for sharing your pen, have a great day dear friend.
Watson Avatar
October 14, 2019 at 11:12 AM
This is a beautiful tribute both to the power of music and the lasting positive influence of your Father, Matthew. It was a pleasure to read.
Dietrich Avatar
October 14, 2019 at 11:04 AM
This is one of the finest poems of yours I have ever read. a FAVE for me.
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