How poetic can you be? Write a short poem about what you see

Memories

Cool spring evenings with my grandfather

A hard man of heart who would much rather

Wrestle a load of lumber to the ground

than make a melodic sound

He had one weak-spot when it came down to it

My Grandma Bonnie knew the key to elicit

Melodic memories from deep in his past

Years that had taken their toll far too fast

The Great Depression he lived and overcame

Bringing honor to his business and his name

This was a man hardened by the earth

Who rarely smiled or felt of mirth

Bonnie knew the key to success

When it was time to put Clem's soul at rest

Always to my childhood eyes brought delight

When that tough old German would open the case

Amazing music would light up my face

Tunes extracted from an old fashioned squeeze box

Played on his knee with a wink and a smile

For his darling Bonnie - the apple of his eye

For my grandfather, Clemens Henry Ullrich - the hardest man I've ever known, with the greatest love I've ever seen.

Robert Ullrich

"But that is the old way, it is not done like that anymore,

Piano's are long since gone, what do you want one for?"

Kids these days just do not understand the emotion,

The rhythm of the fingers the mind filled with devotion.

It is easy to push buttons and electronically play,

But to use a long held talent lost along the way,

A gift of a lifetime meant to be used,

Do not put it aside lest it be abused.

Play me a song on the piano, let the keys strike a melody,

Play me a love song, play for the soul with each key.

Share your talent let the world hear you play,

There may be more tomorrows, but no longer a yesterday.

© Cynthia Clark