Slapstick

When the music stopped for Dad
And Shorty McCormick’s Jazz Band
Played their last gig, his drum set
Was retired to our dank basement

His traps resided in an extra large
Black cardboard suitcase and soon
My brothers and I commenced 
Drumming the life out of its quiet remains

Before long the solid beat of the remaining
Percussion instruments were rendered silent
And were finally sent out with the trash

I hung on to the last reminder of my father’s
Well warn drum set that helped him keep time
During his many solo jazz improvisations 

Now with love I hold on to his tattered slapstick
The only rhythmic survivor, still ready to keep the beat
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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A   Avatar
October 6, 2013 at 10:00 AM
Gary, ... Congratulations on having your poem Featured on the soup's home page. Always & Forever *LINDA*
Kendrick Avatar
September 30, 2013 at 12:09 PM
Great work featured on home page feature page two..Sara
Brown Avatar
December 12, 2011 at 7:47 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Gary. A well deserved feature. Love, Carol
Brown Avatar
October 24, 2011 at 5:14 AM
A warm welcome to PoetrySoup I offer to you today Gary. I wish for you the best in your writing endeavors whatever they may be. May you find inspiration by reading some of the poetry written here by other poets. Read and comment on their's and they will return in kind. May the sun shine on you that you might find great joy in your life. Love and blessing always, Carol
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