Her Music Braved The Darkness

For a remarkable young lady who survived Sarajevo.

 

Winter crept throughout the valley

taunting those who would not flee

Each new day a solemn funeral

another friend for whom to grieve

Little food, no heat, no windows

only the will to stay, to fight

But for those held hostage in the city

from the darkness, music, every night

  

The old piano, an ancient treasure

oh the stories it could tell

It came from a time long past away

but those years were weathered well

At keyboard’s edge, a gifted girl

from deep within the music played

As night crept upon the city

the young girl‘s hands could not be stayed

 

So she sat and played for hours

as the shells fell all around

She didn’t notice the explosions

that shook the very ground

She just played that old piano

as she awaited her time to die

She gave hope to all the people

her gift of music, every night

 

Over time the shells stopped falling

her sweet music faded away

The survivors rebuilt their city

and it thrives again today

But many still remember

the music in the night

And the girl? Oh she still plays, yes…

but to a different sort of fight.

Reviews

[J]

One of the things that makes your work especially gratifying to read is that it is so often inspired by the heart and doings of others and expressed in the way it effects yours. This young lady's story is absolutely beyond courageous, and your sharing it in your beautiful verse is positively inspiring.

Again, I am in awe of where your heart takes you.
;-) ~j

[AK]

Hmmmm, I hadn't thought about "play" and "played" dessy. No subtle meaning, it just worked I guess. Is it used too much?
Regarding her current battle... she would screech if I shared more than I have already. In fact, she would probably screech if she knew I had posted this here. But her story changed me in ways I can't describe, I had to share it.

[dessy]

I agree with J. Hampton the rhyme scheme in this is reminiscent of older poetry, but your use of imagery is modern. The subject matter of war, though unfortunately, is all too relavent today as well. I wonder what her current battle is though? Another thing I wonder is that the word "play" is used repetitively, was this illistrate a certain point, other than the obvious? Definately hope inspiring- thank you!

[Angel Bird]

Your writing deeply touched me by the way you created it, and by that young girl caught up in her passion that made her escape reality, and gave hope and light to many others on their way all together through hell. This is all in all a wonderful piece of hope and evidence that a little light casts its glow very far.
Great writing! I'm in awe!

[An Ordinary Woman]

I understand what you meant, and this whole thing has moved me beyond words.

I am thankful for the girl and I wonder if she looks back and realizing the impact of her actions? I'm glad to know she still plays, only to a different sort of light. This was an excellent read, thank you for sharing it with me.

[J. Hampton]

"And a child shall lead them"

Reminds me of the movie "TheThird Miracle"
Particulalry moving....with so many wars simultaneously killing so many daily.
The way you balanced the rhyme patttern and shorter verses is reminiscent of of epic poetry of old.

enjoyed thre poem and the ideal of courage.

Blessssssssssss

[Andromeda]

beautiful. that's all i can say: beautiful.

[James K. Blaylock]

Wow, this is truly heartfelt and beautiful! I very much loved it.

[Sara Muschweck]

Such an inspirational write, knowing that even during chaos and turmoil there can be the beauty of music on the air, and when times of rebuilding are upon them that the memory of the player will be there, giving hope to those left behind.

[Siddartha Beth Pierce]

This is such a stunning write. Thank you for sharing this - beautifully written...a wonderful poem.
Light,
Siddartha

[Just Manoosh]

She just played that old piano
as she awaited her time to die

As I read this I felt admiration flowing through my veins both for you and for the lady herself. A beautiful heartfelt piece, so very lovely. Mx