FINGERING ATONEMENT

six years of classical piano
trying to finger the keys
exactly, trying to please
I would never feel a duo

that teacher, I tried to please
over and over, stroking then
a scowl, fingers tapping when
I just couldn't manage these

demands to get each right
rolling fingers over hard keys
never, ever seeming to please
I finally quit and took flight

but you praise my every stroke
give fingers their artistic due
as I draw and finger with you
keystroke, backstroke, any note

brings you closer to me, hence
I've delighted in fine fingering
stroking with these lingering
nothing is better in recompense

for love I seem to play by ear
in joy with all the senses
no difficult bars and fences
we play duets best, my dear

(c) 2003 Maggie Mink aka Rennie Lorca

My late apologies to my spinster piano teacher, but I had other needs than a love for hard keys even when you told me I was "very good" ..... Rennie