black and white keys seventy-years later
by Marcel Aime Duclos

dishes done
she would dry her hands
hang her apron on the brass hook
in the narrow kitchen closet

every school-night
she would soft-shoe
down the hall to the piano
while he waited
in the den
his homework done

with every song
she lightened
the boy's unspoken burdens

black and white keys
obeyed        rang out love
more love        than
her daily words        than
her restrained gestures

the black briggs
heirloom lent
voice to her love

last evening
dishes done
i sat at the upright
a memoir of love songs
without music
filled the room
warmed a heart
before hands
ever touched those
cold worn keys



 

Return to: