I remember former days when we all stood around the piano;
arms would go around each other, old songs we would sing,
Mum brought us scrumptious cookies and hot drinks of steaming cocoa,
each time we finished a round of songs, loud our cheers would ring.
Those days are gone, and the old piano sits in the attic;
oft' late at night I'm sure I hear the tinkling of it's keys,
now played by familes past who visit just to hear the music.
I creep upstairs, quiet as I can, I see my old grannies!
How wonderful to see the old folks gathered all around
there's mama and Papa, Aunts, Uncles, nana's and grandpa's,
their arms around each other, so I dare not make a sound.
Indeed, it's quite the most fantastic sight I ever saw.
I'm glad we kept that old piano we had in the forties.
what joy it is to stand within the door to watch and hear.
Oh, don't stop playing! I love to hear you! Just continue, Please
stay around so I can hold you in my heart? You're all so dear!
Joan Benecke July 1st 2005
Author notes
Written July 1st, 2005
A contest entry
- No notice contest#12 by Samplette.
300 points, ended July 4, 2005, 5 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - FOR HUGH WYLES FAVOURITE’S GROUP ONLY # 11 by huguenauties.
800 points, ended May 12, 2007, 18 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 34 of 34
-
You have written lovely reminiscences of your relatives - the ghostly music and apparitions seem fantastic, but with you, one never knows!
You are the best, Joan.
-
I get nostalgic too sometimes, it's why I started doing genealogy years ago, to try to relive that past I never knew.
One person's memory conjures up more ghosts than all the Spiritualists put together throughtout history.
It has that yearning I know myself.
-
Dear A/J.
it must've been great back then standing around the piano singing songs. I'm glad they all come to visit and enjoy the piano. LOVE IT!
Jen
-
Awww, this is so nice, Joan. I think maybe most ghosts are good ones such as your family ghosts
Dee
-
Enjoyed this!
So nice to think of your family gathered round the piano singing their hearts out! An uplifting poem! Very nicely done!
Love,
Maureen
-
Ah, you have been kind, thank you..if I hafta see things..I want em friendly.
-
-
Ohhh these ones are very friendly Carol, it made me cry to see them there enjoying themselves.
-
-
Dear Bea,
I remember this poem and our discussion about it and its subject. I have to say that the nostalgia and love which it contains, touches me now, on re-reading, just as deeply as it did nearly two years ago. A beatiful po0em to include in this contest.
Applause, love and hugs, XXX Hugh R.
-
What a wonderfully nostalgic poem. Just beautiful, reminding me of all my past family get together's. We had to go over my grandmother's to hear the beautiful piano music she played, and for us it was an event where the whole family would join in in song. She loved the work of Mahalia Jackson and often played and sang her songs. Thanks for the memories Joan. This really touched my heart.
Always,
renee
-
Great write... I still have my grandmother's piano and it sits proudly in my living room.. many a sing song was held around it and I reminise every time I sit down to play it..
The picture certainly added to the poem.
Lori
-
I remember playing that ol piano And now i drown my kids out with my organ. Wonderful write about the ol days Ol Gal
and loves Mia
-
You know, the piece you've penned here is like the beginning of a movie. Like the old black and white types with the image you are painting being played out before us. I can almost hear the laughing in the background as the young woman slips up the stairs, peeks through the door to this sight, and hears her lonely and melancholy voice narrating this poem as the story begins to unfold.
Very few poems I read actually inspire me to think of a story that is beginning, but this is one. Nice take on the picture. -
It has been fixed since then Father R
Amadeus -
I'm sorry to say Amadeus that your author's comments are pertinent - this reads as though it was rushed.
R
-
re-kindling old memories is such a pleasure. I enjoyed this piece as always.. I really enjoy your poetry.
Yvonne
-
Very enjoyable read!
Love this, my sweet soul sister! Nostalgic, warm and very nicely done!
Love you!
♥ Maureen
-
A fine descriptive piece, ghosts and memories combined in the warmth of the present.
True personal nostalgia, inner history.
Best,
p -
great
hmmm, i loved your description. it really painted a picture in my mind. the only thing i thought was weird was your rhyming scheme. i think it felt a little like the rhymes were too far apart. but i really loved your ideas in this poem! they wrote a story that can be interpreted in soo many different ways and thats a good thing. i really enjoyed this! good job! -
This is a lovely write, I love things about family, as you will see from my own writings. How warm and enchanting the memories, I think i can smell the cocoa, maybe i should make some....thanks for sharing and good luck with future writes.
-
A++
WOW.... there is alot of love weaved within the words of this piece... you obviously pored all you had into this. and maybe even more! Excellent write! keep it up!
~melpomene~
-
A lovely poem! Very attractive title, too! The poem gave off such strong imagery and was packed with nostalgia.
Very well done!
God bless -
Aw, this is just REEKING with memories.... lovely. It warmed the cockles of my heart, imagining the get-togethers, the songs, the laughter portrayd in your poem.
Well done!
PS I HAVE to say that the title is eye-catching and excellent... -
as we grow older we collect so many memories and slowly through the years folk slip away only to remain alive in our minds... I too have so many of these losses i often dream of them and even great aunts and great uncles grand father grandmother etc they are all alive and well and so full of love, caring and good advice in my dreams. Thanks for sharing your vision here, something that can find an echo in different ways in all our minds and hearts
-
Thank you for your wonderful comment
angelica
-
I like picture on this page
-
Dear Bea,
I see this contest closed already yesterday. I'm sorry I didn't get to see it earlier and think it a pity when contests are allowed such short duration that entries have to be rushed, the author being allowed insufficient time to give of his/her best.
The nostalgia and sentiment in your entry is expressed in a sincerity of manner which tugs at the heartstrings and I commend and applaud you for the beauty and wistfulness of thought in this poem.
Good luck in the contest,
Love and hugs, XXX Hugh.
Edited on Jul 02, 1:46 because ''. -
Dear Joan, My, what a wonderful vision you have created, the memories are wonderful, it must've been great living back then, so very more relaxed.
Love Sally
-
Five star***** Triple A+++
I think this is one of your best. I used to have an old antique Baldwin Saloon piano. When my dad would visit I'b ask him to play the Boogie Woogie. He always did until his last visit before he died. He was too winded. Thanks for this poem because brought back a beautiful memory of dad playing piano.
Edited on Jul 01, 12:03 because ''. -
This is a very endearing write. Love the love that glows from within your words. Thank you so much for entering.
Sam
-
Thank you Ed for your wonderful comment, yes, it only takes a vision of something to bring memories flooding back..
hugs Joan
-
This is a wonderful piece of poetry. The memeries we hold dear to us are found with the treasure of the past that we keep. either a doll can take us to such a special place, a piano to family gatherings, a ball glove back to ones youth. Your poem sings out with such beauty style and truly honours the memories we keep. I wish you best luck in this contest.
-
I love this! This gave me chills as I read it. I could see them all there so vividly and I have to tell you that it really made me smile. What a fantastic memory, so eloquently put to words. Such loving energy flows from this. Fantastic piece Joan! Good luck, I love it! Hugs, Gypsy
Adding your comment:
1 - 34 of 34
