Clarinet
We had disposable income once-
at least enough to act at times as if we did-
and disposed of it often
for Half Price books- so many
remaindered poets yet unread-
and curios at after Christmas clearances
where cash flow matters more than profit.
So it was, eight years ago, December,
that I bought the clarinet
that ornaments the large buffet
that stands against
the windowless north living room wall.
It's beautiful to look at and to hold
though true musicians would be appalled
by the black plastic
emulating ebonized wood
and its history of songless silence.
Long ago, I chose the clarinet
as the instrument I'd learn
in junior high school band before
I learned that making music is a luxury
families like mine cannot afford
and wouldn't drafting class
be better for me than band?
at least enough to act at times as if we did-
and disposed of it often
for Half Price books- so many
remaindered poets yet unread-
and curios at after Christmas clearances
where cash flow matters more than profit.
So it was, eight years ago, December,
that I bought the clarinet
that ornaments the large buffet
that stands against
the windowless north living room wall.
It's beautiful to look at and to hold
though true musicians would be appalled
by the black plastic
emulating ebonized wood
and its history of songless silence.
Long ago, I chose the clarinet
as the instrument I'd learn
in junior high school band before
I learned that making music is a luxury
families like mine cannot afford
and wouldn't drafting class
be better for me than band?
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Other stories by Gary Hardaway
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Sad sentiments here, Gary. Makes me wonder how many wonderful artists we'll never see/read/hear. Great writing. *
Thank you, Foster.
So many doors to walk through - or not walk through - or can't. Good piece, Gary.
Poverty doesn't have to cripple the artist in anyone. It can, by its nature and forced perspectives, breed a sensitivity lacking in those who have everything at their disposal... regardless, I get it.
I can relate strongly with this. I've had a similar relationship with music, disposable income, family, and drafting.
Where did all the cash flow? Who ownes all the debt?
It's time to warm up that clarinet.
*
Wonderful!
Gary, a lovely sentiment while we battle against the forces of nature in all her mightiness. Sad, evocative and graceful.
Fave.
I really like this, Gary. The clarinet is a great trope and I love how it segues from books to the clarinet.*
Yes.
Not certain that drafting class would be better than band..,*
Thank you very much, Sam, James, and J. Mykell.
Thank you, Mia, Robert and John.
Thank you, Joani and Gary.
The clarinet makes such a strange and amazing sound all on its own and I doubt she'd complain about the waiting as it is never too late to draw her out and give her a run
Thanks, Michael.
I'm currently studying music in college, so this piece is surprisingly poignant for me right now. Not to mention that it's beautifully written.
Amanda, thank you very much for your response. Thank you, too, for studying music. It's a very bold choice among the MBA's etc. floating around these days.
Some people, very disciplined and motivated, manage to do both, to have music in their life no matter how much they have to draft.
Gloria, it's true. But then, where's the poem?
Besides, Gloria and Gary, the drafting musician's soul still knows all the music that will not be played because . . . *
Thank you, Beate.
Artful, wistful music you give us with this poem, Gary. I've a hunch Artie Shaw would agree. *
Wow, I hadn't read this one. I've been remiss in fiction reading for a month trying to handle a nasty work schedule.
I played trombone in band when I was a kid. I was never any good, but I did have a superb teach a couple of years which made music a wonderful experience.
Our kids hate music and their instruments, but we know someday they'll thank us for helping develop those parts of their brains that would otherwise have gone untouched.
I don't think I could write, or at least writing would have been much harder without having learned some music.
Anyway, we have a beautiful baby grand that was my wife's piano when she was a kid. Our piano player has gone off to uni and the piano is an end table.
I wish I had the commitment to at least take some lessons.
So moving and poignant, Gary.
*
Thank you, Matthew. You mention Artie Shaw. I pictured Steve Allen as Benny Goodman when putting this together. Odd how snippets occupy the mind.
Thank you, Steve. I tied piano lessons at thirty five but lacked the discipline music demands. Nonetheless, I learned enough to have even higher regard for musicians.
Thank you, Roberto. Your comment means much to me.