Musical notes wrap themselves
around her like charms on a
bracelet touching her skin
B Flats, C Sharps, staccato
dancing lightly tapping out
rhythms on her silvery hair
Ivory keys fill the spaces
between now and then when her
fingertips drew out singing
loft choirs yet teaching a
soloist the uniqueness in
using a voice as instrument
Images fleeting now seen but
dimly as through the clouded
lens of a camera losing it’s
battle to store more images in
memory’s photographic pages
holding lyrics of song books
Musical notes wrap themselves
around her like charms on a
bracelet touching her skin
B Flats, C Sharps, staccato
dancing lightly tapping out
rhythms on her silvery hair
© November 2011 Renee Espriu
Upon posting the quote from Helen Keller it gave me pause to remember a most loved pianist and organist whose love and passion for music helped me to understand that not all voices are the same and the uniqueness of some is a gift. Some of us, at times, do stand alone. This is dedicated to Dorothy, who after years of dedication to playing for church choirs and soloists lost her sight and could no longer play but only listen to the music she loved.
reneejustturtleflight.com 
gorgeous poem, i love music in any form, your poem spilled with it. fabulous.
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Thank you Trisha! I could not live without music in my life and when my friend lost her sight, I could never imagine being unable to play the piano any longer.
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I often used to think that I would rather be deaf than blind but, without music to hear to sooth an ache, I don’t know.
Sorry for your friend loosing her sight, it can’t be easy to come to terms with, especially if she loved and frequently played an instrument too.
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It was sad the day I ran into her at the store and knew that she could not see me but recognized my voice. She had someone with her to help her. I had not seen her in many years at that point so it did surprise me.
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oh i so can feel this…being a musician myself…there are just the right tunes for every mood and moment…joyful and sad and soothing…so sorry for your friend..can imagine how hard this must be for her
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She never did let on it was difficult. She had such a positive outlook on life but I’m sure to begin with it must have been very hard. I so admired that she still lived life to the fullest.
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That is so beautiful! Wonderful writing, I loved it. 🙂
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Thanks Susannah! Sometimes it is the sad things…or not…that inspire us.
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Beautiful! Music has a way of reaching us when nothing else does!
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Yes, it certainly does. Thank You!
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Music is a gift given to many if not all.. for if we are not gifted with Playing an instrument or voice we have only to listen to the music of nature as she plays to us with rippling brookes and bird-song… Ocean waves and to hear the leaves rattle down the pavement this time of year as the wind howls through the empty branches… Music is a fond memory with me too Renee.. being in the school choir I love to sing…
Keep playing music and let it wrap you up in its velvet touch…
A beautiful Poem and dedication to your friend..
Sue~ Dreamwalker
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Thank You Sue! I could not live without it in my life and have been gifted to be able to sing as well.
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Renee, after your comments about my friend the music therapist, I felt an immediate connection with this poem. My mom was also a choir director!
Your bending of the notes as charms… the sensitivity with which you reveal her age as well as her condition, all made for a lovely poem. Thank you for putting this beautiful woman in our minds this night. Love, Amy
Another beautiful lady:
http://sharplittlepencil.wordpress.com/2011/11/29/living-love-for-kate/
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Dorothy loved to play the piano and organ and I loved her to accompany me when I sang solos as she went right along with whatever it is I did and it all sounded wonderful. I’ve lost touch with her and perhaps, she is no longer here, but I will always have fond memories of this amazing woman. Thank You!
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how moving…to lose the one thing you love yet still be able to appreciate it through the gifts of others…the notes becoming charms….really love what you did here…it honors her…
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Thank you Brian. She gave me the freedom to know that how I sang and what I did with my own music was not only okay, but made me unique in who I am. I will never forget the gift she gave.
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What a beautiful tribute to someone who was important to you! I do think once one is involved with music it stays with a person somehow throughout their life, whether or not they can play it as they once did! A lovely share.
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Thank you Mary! Yes, I felt so sad to know she could not play when she lost most of her sight but she never let on that it was a sadness, although, I really believe it must have been. She simply was always a positive person and continued to give to others in who she was.
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I like the repetition here. I love the imagery. This reminds me a bit of my “Ivory at Midnight” poem. 🙂
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Thanks Gretchen! I like your “Ivory at Midnight” alot. You have a gift for writing and I hope you will continue. It can be a healing thing and you touch so many lives with your words.
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So do you! Keep writing 🙂
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really nice. even aesthetically the design brings us the piano as well, really nicely done. Thanks
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Thank you and for your comment. Music has filled the empty spaces in my life and brought joy back when it seemed to go missing.
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i can imagine my father or larissa in this poem. some people really live the music
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Yes, I so agree. This woman lived and breathed it so when she could no longer play it was sad.
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It seems like there are only a few people that come through our lives that affect us as she did you. A creatively lovely tribute to this generous and gifted woman.
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Thanks Gayle! Hope you are feeling better and still enjoying your grandbaby.
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I’m feeling good, thanks, Renee. Babysat tonight for a short while and back on duty first thing in the morning. She’s the highlight of my world right now! 🙂
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Moving and beautiful, I love it.
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Thank you so much!
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