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The Piano Player

Internal Quote by Albert Einstein

  

On the eve of the invasion, the world braced for an upheaval.
Two ancient foes were poised for war, a war between Good and Evil.
For things are deathly dark and unsavory when Satan's soldiers ride,
and only acts of heroic bravery can help Good turn the tide.

So we watched with pessimistic dread as soldiers circled ‘round Kharkiv.
We feared so many would soon be dead, we feared what’s up Satan’s sleeve. 
In numbers seeming infinite, his warring hordes were drawing near,
when we watched a young Ukrainian boy, a boy who showed no fear.

He would play on a grand piano, he would play a soulful song,
he would play sweet chords of calmness in the face of the warring throng.
He would play with skill and feeling, he would play with a touch of class;
while the rest of the world was reeling, he was kicking Putin’s ass.

Electric chills spilled down my spine and there was nary a dry eye,
while we watched and prayed he played unafraid of missiles from the sky.
Will he live to see tomorrow?  And what about his family?
Will we learn their fate with sorrow?  And can we cure insanity?

For nowhere in this universe could crimes of cold cupidity
be justified and understood but for human stupidity.
And I'm not sure who will win the war, if wars can be won or lost --
the one thing I am sure about in the universe is the cost.

For the cost of freedom is bloody steep, the consequences grave,
if we fail to battle bullies, and if we won’t stand with the brave.
And while we watched him on our big-screens, this boy’s bravery was clear;
just don’t think for a single second “it could never happen here.”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Lever Avatar
October 7, 2023 at 1:25 PM
Hello friend, how i cried during this, the mastery of emotive invisibility, you truly are a gnostic of the invisible spirit. Although so moved, i see feel and hear your poetic excellence. Thank youxx
Cohen Avatar
October 7, 2023 at 1:34 PM
Hello Janine. I am honored by your visit and kind words, and to call you friend and colleague. I've been away from this site (will get back eventually), but am delighted to hear from you. This poem was one that truly touched me when I heard the boy play on the night of the invasion, so I'm pleased you read this one. I see you've posted some new material and will visit when I can. Love, Eric
Watt Avatar
July 9, 2022 at 10:06 PM
Eric, some exquisite writing here. The internal quote by Einstein was so intricately woven in, and your message of standing up against tyranny so powerful. Can we cure insanity? We have to find a way.
Cohen Avatar
July 10, 2022 at 6:09 PM
Many thanks, John. I always appreciate your comments. I think we have both found motivation in this sad situation. ~Eric
Marcum Wong Avatar
June 8, 2022 at 5:19 PM
Congratulations on your First Place win. This brought tears to my eyes Eric. Both the music and your poem celebrate the human heart. “ For the cost of freedom is bloody steep, the consequences grave, if we fail to battle bullies, and if we won’t stand with the brave.” Truly exquisite! I am putting this amazing poem into my Faves. Blessings xxoo
Cohen Avatar
June 8, 2022 at 7:25 PM
Wonderful to hear. Thanks, Connie. Listening to the music brings me chills even today. ~Eric
Radice Avatar
June 7, 2022 at 1:49 AM
I'm late to the party with my praise for your poem Eric. "Two things are infinite the universe and human stupidity And I'm not sure about the universe." It says it all doesn't it? Great work. Cheers - Gary
Cohen Avatar
June 7, 2022 at 6:17 PM
Yes, sadly, it says it all. Thanks for the visit. I'll stop by when I can. ~Eric
Proxenos Avatar
June 1, 2022 at 9:11 AM
Hello Eric, Remarkable poetry, heart-rending and created and crafted with intense talent - congratulations - a top win so deserved! Jennifer
Cohen Avatar
June 1, 2022 at 12:59 PM
Thanks again, Jennifer. This topic seems to inspire many of us.
Kendrick Avatar
May 12, 2022 at 3:22 PM
I saw a little about this on TV and I wondered what happened to him and his family. Sad what is happening and sad that it doesn't stop. We have no idea which way it is going and who will be drawn in next. Reads like a good contender for the contest. Way to go. Thanks for the visit to my page. Sara
Cohen Avatar
May 13, 2022 at 7:36 PM
Sad, indeed. I still get the chills when I listen to the recording of him playing. Best to you, Sara.
Proxenos Avatar
April 26, 2022 at 12:20 PM
So sorry to hear that no one knows anything about that fearless brave young boy and what the fate of this young lad and his family was - I love your line 'while the rest of the world was reeling, he was kicking Putin's ass' Superb poetry Hugs, blessings, Jennifer
Cohen Avatar
April 26, 2022 at 7:23 PM
Thanks, Jennifer. I always appreciate your visit and comments. ~Eric
Peck Avatar
April 20, 2022 at 8:22 AM
Your poem is so beautiful, Eric. I didn't know about this brave boy...Your poem says it all. "for nowhere in this universe could crimes of cold cupidity be understood and justified but for human stupidity..." Exactly. Congratulations on your win!
Cohen Avatar
April 20, 2022 at 3:19 PM
So glad you stopped by, Ann, and appreciate your kind comment. I think we are like minded. I still get chills when I listen to the music in the You Tube video and think about what's been happening. Also will leave you some comments on your excellent poems (haven't been by to read them for quite a while).
Agustin Avatar
April 18, 2022 at 3:37 AM
Congrats! Thanks for sharing this, wisely expressed. God bless you.
Cohen Avatar
April 19, 2022 at 6:10 PM
Beata, thanks for your visit and kind comments. ~Eric
Alex Avatar
April 17, 2022 at 9:45 PM
"the cost of freedom is bloody steep" - The entire poem is very beautiful. Congratulations!
Cohen Avatar
April 19, 2022 at 6:04 PM
I appreciate your visit and your poem as well. I thought I might get no comments until you were the first. Thanks.
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