Broken Strings

Listening to the rain prance on a darkened skylight

keeping time with a banjo that's out of tune.

I can hear a piano striking keys in another room

carrying music through the walls as I break a string.

The rat-ta-tap-tat of the rain beating above my head

drowns out the melody of the night.

I am afraid that I have no more poetry to write.

The words that float across my eyes

appear in blurred lines, dripping syllables

in a foreign language that I can’t read.

But the music moves through me.  

I can feel it roll over me, each measure

is a rhythmic wave that ebbs and flows.

And words form in lightning flashes.

I hear them spoken in the thunder

but they are lost before my pen can reach its paper.

So I listen to the piano

and see the notes form on the window pane

and watch them disappear

as the Conductor turns his page.

Reviews

[Miri Grace]

I absolutely love this...the imagery is quite strong, and it tickles my writer's aesthetics somehow. Y'know that feeling when you read something that puts a picture so strongly and beautifully into your mind that you know you won't forget it? That's the feeling I have. Nice work.

[James]

Thank you, that's a wonderful compliment. I'm glad it left an impression

[Island Hippy]

Aloha James, I loved the imagery, which is so strong potent with color, sound and mood! Also love how you featured the banjo there's something so comforting about the banjo. Music sometimes has that ability to empty the mind for a while and stills us enough to just listen. Izzy

[sabinn]

these words of yours are really simple and nice

[V]

A lovable piece. The imagery strongly drew me in. Vivid and pleasant like dancing words. Again I can relate to your thoughts, mood, experiences. I get washed away by music sometimes and no words will flow out my fingertips, I'm only left to listen.

[James]

I love music, but can't make it. I keep trying though. Thanks for reading

[V]

Same goes me.. You're welcome.

[APOORVA]

deadly write up.
loved every bit of bit.
keep up

[Relic]

Interesting to think about. Your opening lines reminded me so much of my days in music class in high school. I like this one.

[Ana Papaya]

I really like this a lot. :)
I can almost here the sounds and the rain can compliment music so beautifully.

[James]

Thank you, I'm glad you like it. I appreciate music, but can't make it. I keep trying, though

[Ana Papaya]

Keep at it. There's always the spoons?
Or my personal favourite: the triangle. :)
Timing is everything with that thing.

[James]

maybe a maosn jar of beans is more my speed, or a washboard

[Ana Papaya]

Lol. :)
Yeah, I can totally see it.

[Someday Shine]

The beauty of music and melody. It can convey meaning without the need for words. Enjoyed your writing!

[James]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed this