I never knew my father
He died before I was old enough to
have too many memories
but, my mother told me he could
play a piano accordian like an expert.
Although he’d never been taught
he learned to play by ear
and, just as an elephant never forgets
neither did he.
He’d pick it up and music would
soon flow as he’d squeeze it
and, like a woman being played
would make those bellows sing.
*My father died at aged 27. I was two and a half.
Shared with dVerse Poets Poetics: Paintings of Borg de Nobel
What a wonderful tribute. Even if you didn’t get to know him I’m sure he knows even now.
i like the woman being played…that’s how women should be made love to, like playing an instrument.
of course, the good women, are like playing a whole orchestra. 😉
slowly it had to last
“and, like a woman being played
would make those bellows sing”
Really cute ending. 🙂
Angels die young and can play by ear, that’s why. great one.
Why! To young too die , it so happens to angels, who of course play music just by ear
wow! he died so young! How sad! Hugz! Thanks for the luv. Hope all’s well your way! 🙂
Lovely !!!
It’s good to know and treasure these facts about our folks. Tellingly done.
amazing job crafting the personal element into your take on the piece. Outstanding write.
a wonderfully woven and belonging memory
I can so relate, from an opposite perspective of being forced to learn from a man who laid his skill down to serve fellow men. I’m not sure why, but I learned. He was self taught too. I loved the honesty and sincerity of our words. I was greatly moved by this poem.
This suits the picture just wonderfully well – it really goes with it. A very sweet poem – so sad too, but a lovely sweetness, and a bit of, well–the woman being played had some losses too – k .
So sad and so poignantly written. Such talents and he ‘left’ at such a young age. Felt for you Bren but it’s a l;ong time since! Nice write!
Hank
Sad … and tender … and so based on love … beautiful, Bren …
Sad to lose him so young, Bren. He sounds so talented. I just went back to read your interview and see I didnt ask you The Question: did you inherit a gift for music? Do you play an instrument, or simply Appreciate music, as I do? (I cant believe how many musicians’ children have the talent for music but were never taught to play anything.)
Very nice, sad but a lovely tribute and memory.
Great way to use the prompt and to pay tribute to your dad’s talent.
Love how you describe this admiration for your father’s skill with the accordian, Bren…some people have that rare talent. Sad that he died at such a young age..
wow–sad poem, but lovely tribute.
“like a woman being played”: Great image. Interesting how it contrasts with the rest of the poem – well, at least how I had imagined it: Read by a young girl.
Thank you for sharing a part of your life.
“He’d pick it up and music would
soon flow as he’d squeeze it
and, like a woman being played
would make those bellows sing.”
There was lots to this man, and a lot of love for him.
Lovely poem in a musical rhythm!
Awesome how he could do it by ear, wish I could do that. Awful he died so early though.
tender bren….not knowing your father really but through stories…i imagine hearing an accordian might make you feel closer….love to watch a musician as well with their instrument there is an intimacy there…like a woman being played….
Is this true story? if so, it sounds like your father was an amazing artist and sorry he left at such a young age
Interesting how the painting inspired you with this personal account
I admire people who can play it by ear…and sad that he died so young ~
Wishing you happy day Bren ~
What a talented father you had, Bren. Too bad he died so young without being able to fulfill potential of what he was in the process of becoming. My sister was like that with a guitar. Picked it up and was able to play it. No lessons. This kind of inborn talent always amazes me.
nice..i admire those musicians that can play by ear…most people have to train hard to be able to do this…sad that your father died so early..