Hold a true friend with both your hands. ~Nigerian proverb
Once
You were
The center
Of my world and
My prized possession.
Then I put you aside
For years — no, make that decades.
You never complained nor did you
Seem to resent my indifference.
But good friends shouldn’t be treated that way.
It was a silver flute that caught my eye.
Learning to play it became my goal.
But I don’t have to choose, do I?
Playing both instruments would
Make me more valuable.
Now that you’ve been fixed
I’m going to hold
Both of you
Near my
Heart.
Note: Poetry form is a Double Etheree.
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
A personal look in a poetic style hit the right chord.
“Hit the right chord.” Love that expression, Frank — thanks!
Wonderful poem, Debbie! LOVE the form!
I had no idea you played the clarinet, as well as the flute. That’s awesome!
Looking at your photograph reminded me of when I was in my early teens and decided to take clarinet lessons. My father was so happy because he loved the sound of a clarinet. However, to be honest, I wasn’t very good and lost interest fast. But what I did enjoy was putting the flute together and taking it apart. And I also enjoyed was prepping the reeds with my own salvia. Lol! In fact, I can still remember the taste of the cane.
You’re right, you can play both. Which makes you more valuable. Play on, my friend!
Have a spectacular Sunday! X
Ron, clarinet was my first Band instrument. I played it all through college, then set it aside (but never had the heart to sell it!). It’s amazing what a good technician can accomplish by refurbishing an old instrument!
You’re right about those reeds! They do have a distinctive “flavor.” Putting one in my mouth brings back all sorts of good memories — here’s hoping the rest of me remembers how to play the thing, ha!
We’re sending a cold front your way. No snow, but lots of wind and gray skies. xx
Love it.
I figured you “wood,” Dawn. *giggles*
💕
Thanks, Eliza!
Awww… what a lovely little poem for your clarinet! You’re right, you’ll be doubly valuable to your church/community with two instruments for hire/volunteer!
Thank you, Kelly. Here, I’ve had this clarinet for years and years, yet never before have I written a poem for it. About time, wouldn’t you agree?!?
I didn’t know you played clarinet too! What a talented lady! There’s definitely room in life for more than one best friend. 😀
I like how you’ve put this, FF. Yes, with musical instruments, the more the merrier! I used to want to be a Band director; I’m a bit past that point now, but I still think I’d have enjoyed it.
This is a perfect vow, Debbie. Go forth.
Yes, sir. I shall … gratefully!
😁
Great quote, lovely poem, and a beautiful instrument, Debbie. Just wait for Monkey to hear this sweet tune!!! Merry Christmas, Debbie.
Ah, TD, I fear the Monk doesn’t like clarinet any more than he likes flute — which is nonexistent! He throws his head back and YOWLS (you know, that “aaah-wooo” thing), which sounds to me as if somebody is pulling his legs off. I shudder to imagine what the neighbors must think is going on over here! You and Yorkie have a lovely Christmas, okay?!!
You are hilarious, Debbie 😂. I can visualize that! 🤣
Yorkie is snuggly in her winter sweater and we are enjoying the Christmas season. I’m hoping for snow and Yorkie is hoping for sweet potato chewy treats. 🎄🤶
I think I’d rather have snow than rain, which Monk tends to bring inside the house. Give Yorkie a hug for me!
Clarinet was my instrument; I had no idea you’d played it, too. I began in third grade. Thinking about it now, I have to bless my parents for putting up with it. A beginning clarinetist isn’t the most pleasant thing to listen to. I do remember my first solo performance, still in grade school. We were allowed to choose any piece, and I chose Elvis Presley’s “Love Me Tender.”
Goodness.
I’m so glad you’ve let yours see the light of day again. I almost wish I still had mine. We could play beautiful duets together!
Linda, I’m glad my poem brought back such good memories for you! I didn’t start Band until the eighth grade, but because I was so far behind everybody who’d started in fifth grade, I practiced every single day until I’d caught up. In high school, two friends and I played a trio at Band contest, and all of us got the giggles so bad, we had to start over again and again. I’m surprised the judge gave us such a high score (probably knew we had a case of the nerves!)
Wonderful! It made me think of the years when my son was playing the guitar and my daughter was playing the violin. I hope they get their “old friends” out of the closets and play them again soon!
I hope they do, too, Ann. Music is for life and does the the soul good — it does a parent good, too, to know that not only can a kid “entertain” himself, he also is making good use of those music lessons we paid for!
How wonderful to find your way back to your clarinet, Debbie! It must be like reconnecting with an old friend. I love the way you write poems about the simple joys of every day life.
What a lovely complement — thank you, Barbara! I’m finding it harder than I’d hoped, though, to relearn how to play it. I have to keep reminding myself that Rome wasn’t built in a day, ha!