The Last Organ Grinder

Big muscles of the organ grinder, his biceps burning.
Cranking springs, the tired, but cheerful, Italian chap.
Many chapters of his life on streets of cold cement.
His beard, silver tone; his worn hat filled with coins.

You’d expect for the old legs to be moving, it rests
as the tunes be calling, beckoning through windows.
Accordion sounds be arousing smiles and curiosity.
Melancholy dirges wet the shoulders of the bitties.

Again the pedals and thighs grind along, travelling
as the kids and townsfolk wave goodbye. On his
merry way, feet tapping, ladies dancing, men puffing
on their pipes and cigars. The music says so long.

And another group gathers in the waning sun, waiting
for their favorite song; and the grinder gladly plays,
telling a story, with his barrel rolling, his pins caressed.
Kaput - he moves into a museum, a blast from the past.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Goldsmith Avatar
November 23, 2023 at 7:29 AM
Congratulations on your win. A lovely "The Last Organ Grinder" write.  Have a great/wonderful day writing away...........
Rodrigues Avatar
November 24, 2023 at 6:14 AM
Thank you, Paula! Hugs
One Avatar
November 22, 2023 at 11:48 AM
So much description and character building in your poem and a true reflection of the life of a organ grinder... Congratulations on your placement in the contest..
Rodrigues Avatar
November 22, 2023 at 12:21 PM
Thank you, Silent! So glad you liked it! :)
Wolf Avatar
October 22, 2023 at 8:09 PM
Is 'Organ Grinder' related to the next poem you posted, 'Sex is Satisfying?' (Couldn't resist that one, could I?!) ~ Mind in the Gutter Again... Seriously, this is a fine narrative of a lost art from a lost time. Damn! Why does all of the wonder in the world get replaced with the STUPID Meta-Verse and worthless 'AI?" Why? Why? Why? O, Lord, your children know not what they do!!! ~ Sickofthisageanditsidiocy
Rodrigues Avatar
October 23, 2023 at 7:22 AM
First of all…lol! Now seriously…I know…like puppet shows, even those annoying mimes. Why glue ourselves to a screen when we can experience life. Same thing with lack of dressing up. Why O Why…I join in your dirge…
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