Poem – David Van Alstyne – The Piano Man

The pianist sits at his instrument,

Fingers flying over the keys,

The notes flow like a river’s current,

As dancers twirl and drop to their knees.

 

A sign atop his piano warns,

“Don’t shoot the piano player, he’s doing his best!”

For this maestro, his craft is born,

And his love for music is always expressed.

 

The dancers respond with spins and leaps,

As the pianist sets the tone,

His fingers flow with waves and sweeps,

His music their constant chaperon.

 

The music tells a story,

As the dancers paint a scene,

Together they create an allegory,

A living, breathing, painting.

 

The pianist knows his role,

As he plays with all his heart,

Creating music to make emotions whole,

His fingers are his work of art.

 

So let the pianist play on,

And let the dancers dance,

For as women become a swan,

His music will forever enhance.

 

The light that shines from the dancers’ eyes.

Can put the pianist to tears.

For as he leads, he is also wise.

He is a dancer’s ears.

 

They get the applause upon the stage.

As he too often watches in the wings.

And as the orchestra turns the page.

Deep inside, he knows the gifts he brings.

~Suzanne Wagner~