Ziggy Played Guitar

A prompt from my real-life writer's group: 'A Musician Who Goes Through Tragedy, and Can No Longer Play Music.'

 

The song was sung

So long ago

But I still recall

Each and every note

But while Ziggy did play,

Now my hands decay

It was all too much

I grew cold to the touch

 

Desolate and dragging

Sunken eyed, and sagging

I journeyed back down

To that hallowed ground

 

Oh, back in the day

Ziggy really could play!

Music filled our soul

It was rock and roll

 

But the good times have faded

We got so lost and jaded

 

What was once a sacred place

Was brought down in disgrace

 

In that faded hole

That the pigs all stole

 

There is nothing left to see

Nothing left for me

 

But wait…

 

 

 

The song was sung

So long ago

But they can still recall

Each and every note

Because Ziggy DID play,

And in their hearts he will stay

He was all too much

He healed them with his touch

 

Desolate and dragging

Sunken eyed and sagging

I journeyed back down

To that hallowed ground

 

And what did I find?

It nearly blew my mind!

Music filling their souls

Long live rock and roll

 

The memories live on

In the legacy of a song

 

They shine with fearsome grace

In each and every face

 

If the pigs stole it away

Then, we’ll bring it back today!

 

For whether near to us or far

Ziggy played guitar.

 

Author's Note

Although in real life (supposedly) Ziggy Stardust was only a made-up character portrayed by David Bowie in a costume, I am referring to him as a separate living entity in this poem. He is a ghost, of sorts; killed off by his own fortune and fame - but still living on inside all who believe in him.

Comments and critiques are appreciated.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

you make him so real...this has the sound of a song...and i was humming in the background of my mind as i read it, i think i was humming "Fame"!

you are very creative with where you take the reader.