-- Music to Mine Ears --

John Herlihy

The old timer sat sleeping in the rocking chair,

A few dreamy minutes the long hours to spare.

It was a quiet afternoon as light rays angled in;

The room held soft hush, the nurse wore a grin.

A guest opened the piano in the nursing home;

The patients sat around at random, each alone.

He sat, breathed deeply, cracked his knuckles;

One patient yawned, another emitted chuckles.

The room filled with piano music of a virtuoso,

A beautiful rendition of the Rondo capriccioso.

On the keyboard, the pianist all over the place;

An exultant look simply shone out on his face.

When finished, the air vibrated with last notes;

The air gleamed with sunlight and dust motes.

A relative greeted him as the old man awoke;

A dazed look spread on his face as he spoke.

“Was that Nora playing,” he said, voice so soft.

“Playing my favorite piece?” his mind held aloft.

“You’ll see her soon,” the guest said, “never fear.”

The man looked about, on his face, a single tear.

“Tell her I’ll be home,” still alive for all he knew.

“Will you tell her for me, and tell the kids too?”

The old man looked around, now quiet as a ping,

An empty look that seemed so full of something.

- - - - - -

(c) John Herlihy 25 January 2019