It’s a pleasing thing to hear my whispers
turned into roars by the ocean,
timid sounds that roll around
seashell necklaces of the mermaids
I beg to magnify the crescendo of the waves
and I crave
the thunderous noise of my fingers
like a pianoforte in the seafoam,
or a screaming storm in a teacup
an effortless whip of peaks –
Instead I join the mournful chorus of the mermaids
and we cry, united in our phantom pains of ghostly limbs
and my lost instrument
Sometimes it’s a pleasing thing
to hear whispers turned into roars.
….
I used to play the piano. i miss it….
The heart asks pleasure first by Michael Nyman:
https://open.spotify.com/track/2jxg4D9HONT992DkvKaQ7E?si=0BR0WU1IR2OuKu2GwVOTvA
Gif:
๐๐ผ๐
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Thank you so much, Jen.
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You’re welcome ๐
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Wow! The voices claw in at such masterful places. Back in form!!! Absolutely loved this. ๐
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Well, I am relieved you think so…! It was a middle of the night, life too silent, kind of poem.
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Get behind the piano once again.
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I would love to but I literally cannot use my left hand well enough to play now… but sometimes I record the right hand part and then play the left hand part with my right hand while I play the recording (if that makes sense).
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It does. I multitrack all of the time.
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I am not good at it, and I get frustrated with it so mostly my piano just taunts me.
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What software are u using?
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Not software, just the microphone on my phone!!!
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Ahh. Itโs a lot easier on your pc๐. I had spinal fusion , which caused sensitivity issues with my left hand. I had to re-learn how to play bass and guitar as a result.
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Oh, I had no idea, and this is very inspiring. I have not really made peace with not being able to play yet, but thus gives me hope. I will look into computer programs..
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Thereโs a shareware software that reviews favorably to commercial software. Itโs called Reaper.
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Awesome! Thank you, I will look into this. This means a lot, and gives me a bit of inspiration to be able to be musically creative again…
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I love everything about this. ๐น and โmiddle of the night…poemโ ๐
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Thank you NZain. How are your eyes my friend?? I am really pleased you enjoyed my middle of the night poem. I often write when I canโt sleep!
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You are most welcome, Rachel. Eyes are getting slowly betterโI really did myself inโbut Iโm back. Thank you for asking. ๐ and thank you for your sweet comments.
You injured your left hand? I like what you wrote about playing the parts with your right hand. Do you have pain in your left hand?
Well, what you lost with your instrument-you gained something else. And itโs lovely ๐
I like the presentation here with the gif and the music. Super cool! ๐๐
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Thank you, Iโm pleased you like the music and the gif. Did the link work? It was one of my fave pieces to play. I do kind of feel like writing is my replacement for piano playing so thank you for saying I gained something. I do not have pain in my left hand, altered sensation but not pain. Thanks dear friend. Glad to hear your eyes are better, does wearing glasses prevent the strain?
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Yes the link worked fine. It is a beautiful piece. Quite a love story. Iโm glad you donโt have pain in your hand. I can imagine with this poem-a lament-how it must feel to give up something you love,the pianoโthe mermaids are a beautiful/sad image.
I may have to think about glasses. Balancing my computer time with outdoor time helps too ๐
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You are lovely. Thank you.
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This is superb !
“my whispers
turned into roars by the ocean”…
“we cry, united in our phantom pains of ghostly limbs
and my lost instrument”
One of the most beautiful words I’ve ever read. My dear R, you made me fly, you buried me, and now I am lost at sea (the sea of your talent)
Exquisite!
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Dear G. To have you read my poems like this, and have this kind of reaction, makes me fly with you, and want to rescue you from being buried at sea. Thank you, this has brightened my day, no end.
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You deserve plenty of praise. Don’t rescue me. I want to be wrapped in your talent longer.
Some day I am going to fly over those oceans and meet you ๐
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Aahhh you must!!! In that case, no rescuing ๐งก๐
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๐
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This is very well written! I used to play the piano too and I feel very bad for not practising regularly enough to keep going and getting too busy with studies. But every now and then when I get my hands on a keyboard, the feeling is truly magical regarding the melodious possibilities that my hands had the potential of creating.โจthanks for sharing this one!
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Oh!! Yes, that feeling!!! You described it so well… the endless creative, melodious opportunities, the challenge of learning a song, the feeling of magic when it all comes together, the losing yourself in the music while your fingers seem to just know what to do…..
Thank you so much, I hope you find some opportunities to create that magic.
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Oooh yess!! That magic is what keeps me going!
I hope the same for you!!โค๏ธ
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Thank you! ๐งก
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One thing I’ve learned about losing parts of my body is that it amplifies something else within us. We discover abilities we never knew we had. R, if the blind can play, if the armless can play, if the deaf can play… so can you, my friend. Those keys can still feel your touch. From one musician to another… do what you have to do to be one with the piano again.
I absolutely love the heart you put into this poem, my friend. I know you have strength in you. ๐๐
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Manessah B. How can I convey what it means to hear these words from you. This is such an emotional thing for me, for about a million different reasons. Your faith that I can find a way, means so much. It makes me glad to have posted this poem which I had felt was a little raw, a little revealing…. You are so right, I just have to pull myself out of thinking I canโt, and find the way to do it. I will try out the software mentioned by V Pub. I have always just played โacousticโ so have no idea how to apply technology to my music.
Thank you lovely friend, I really appreciate this. ๐งกโค๏ธ
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I understand what you mean about raw and revealing. But those are the feelings that produce the most profound writings, I think. You went deep within and pulled out something of meaning to you and that’s admirable, R.
If you ever need help with the music technology end of things, I would be happy to help you. Once you start recording yourself, it’s like a dream. โบ๏ธ
I believe in you. All is not lost. You’re very welcome, my friend. โค๏ธโค๏ธ
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Awww thank you. And YES to technology assistance. I truly have no idea…thank you, always, and many hugs ๐งก๐งก
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You’re so very welcome, my friend! Anytime!โค๏ธโค๏ธ
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โค๏ธ๐งก
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Rachel, I don’t know how to react to this…I have read this thrice. Every time I begin to write, I feel, my words are so inadequate. To not be able to do something that you love so much can be so frustrating and debilitating. I admire your channeling this into writing.
It is such an incredibly beautiful piece, it brought tears to my eyes. And it ended just like a piece of music does.
If sleeplessness leads to this kind of writing, I would very selfishly hope you have a few such nights every now and then.
This lament, straight from your heart, is a true gem.๐๐๐
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Oh Punam. Honestly, you have bought a tear to my eye now too. I canโt tell you what it means to have you read this more than once.. to say such kind words, to understand so well exactly what I mean… it is you that is the gem. Huge hugs to you my friend โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
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I am sorry if I made you cry. I hope one day you will use technology (as suggested by so many) and be able to share one of your pieces. I would love that. Thanks for sharing the link…it was beautiful. (the first link is not working for me)You are a beautiful soul. Hugs to you too. ๐คโค๏ธ
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๐ค๐ธโค๏ธ
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I can’t imagine how difficult it is to lose that part of oneself. Raw, honest writing.
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Thank you Inky. I imagine you can understand, being a musician….
I think writing about it is part of the process. I am encouraged to see what I can do with different kinds of technology.
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You’re welcome, Absolutely!
Writing is therapeutic and it’s another artistic outlet. Many musicians shift between mediums and I am sure you will find your groove again.
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Thank you.
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Welcome
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Ah! Such evocative currents to lose my thoughts in. Bravo!
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Oh!! Thank you, I am happy if you can lose your thoughts in this.
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Iโm a fan! You have a unique signature style and Iโm beginning to say โah yes, this is youโ. ๐
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Wow, this is quite a compliment. I would say you also have a signature style, and itโs one that I love. Havenโt followed you for long but your poems always stand out to me. Thank you, youโre a bit lovely ๐.
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No no, let me assure you that I come with references that place me at โquite a bit more lovely than you thinkโ haha!
๐
Wordpress is a little like sifting for pearls …. and in your writing …. Iโm finding them!
Have a splendid day ๐น
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Actually, now that you mention it, Iโve seen some of those references in the comments sections of your poems. Also would be happy to write you a glowing reference myself. So, let me upgrade you, to โa lot lovelyโ or โloveliestโ or โeven more lovely than you would imagine.โ Better?! ๐
You have a splendid day too ๐งก
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this is such a great write! terse and exquisite verse..maybe you wouldnt have written this if you still played the piano ๐
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You are exactly right, I would not have! I only started writing after I stopped playing piano. Thank you, so much
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Wow, this is quite a compliment. I would say you also have a signature style, and itโs one that I love. Havenโt followed you for long but your poems always stand out to me. Thank you, youโre a bit lovely ๐.
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Wonderful poem! I used to play piano too. I do miss it as well.
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Thank you, Iโm so happy you enjoyed the poem. You should try and play again sometime.
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No problem! & I have been thinking about it lately, but I’ve been so busy. Maybe one day soon I’ll get to play again.
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I wish you a happy reunion with the piano you need.
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So kind, thank you very much.
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You’re welcome.
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Wow…this is amazing! Sometimes it’s better to dwell in silence so when you speak, words become truly special. Ah, I miss the sea.
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I love your interpretation of this! You are so absolutely right Nour Lee. I hope you get to the sea again soon. I live in a country with a lot of coastline, so sometimes it’s easy to take for granted.
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Beautiful done and the music is perfect for my morning. Reminded very much as a beach walk. ๐
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Yes, this poem was inspired by sea sounds, so Iโm glad you were reminded of a beach walk. Thank you.
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๐
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What an amazing piece! Beautifully penned.
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Thank you Eugenia. I’m so happy you liked it.
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Lovely. I would have killed for piano lessons when I was a kid, but there was no money for it. Perhaps, one day. Until then I am in awe of anyone who plays.
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I am sorry you didnโt get that opportunity yet and I really hope that one day you do. I feel fortunate I got to learn. Thanks for commenting, Iโm pleased you liked the poem.
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Gripping! the emotion behind this incredible poem filled the connection.
The piano is a soothing instrument creates a dynamic & masterful depth of words and feelings in our heart.
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Thank you Charlie, yes, there was a lot of emotion in this poem, I’m pleased you felt it.
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As beautiful as moonlight… gorgeous!
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Thank you.
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Youโre very welcome.
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I understand this better now. I too used to play the pianoforte. I can of course do it no longer. I grieve, as I know you do. I will email you shortly. If that is ok. A very beautiful but extremely sad poem. Your talent for poetry is amazing.
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Thank you. And yes, of course it’s ok if you email me. I’m so sorry you have lost so much. Lots of love to you โค๏ธ
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I love that video and would heart it if I knew how to do that ๐ Screaming storm in a teacup? Brilliant visual, love it. Lovely and powerful poem.
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Thank you Fall. Your thoughts mean a lot to me, and I admire your talent for the stunning visuals, your poetry is beautifully laden with them.
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Awww (heart) ๐ ๐
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Beautifully penned, powerful words. You should go back to playing the piano if each note is as lovely as each of your poetry lines.
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Oh, I would go back to it in a heartbeat if I could. Poetry has replaced the self-expression and creative outlet I always had before in the piano.
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And why not combine both talents, Rachel? Here is my artist-writer friend Mario Savioni, who has never received any music theory lessons, playing his iPhone piano music as well as being a great photographer, poet, short story writer, reviewer and currently writing a novel, “Pickles and Tarts”.
Mario’s iPhone piano music: https://savioni.wordpress.com/2019/05/20/taxonomy-of-sound-first-recorded-composition-of-series-aug-23-2018/
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This piece of music was very beautiful. Your friend is very talented!
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Yes, he is. So glad you liked his music.
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I love this gorgeous soundtrack!
I am sorry to hear you have trouble playing now?
Beautifully written piece!
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Thank you, you have lovely words here for me. I’m glad you like the song !! And no, unfortunately I can’t play anymore, not in the regular way anyway. I am trying to get more technology savvy. Thank you ๐งก
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Yes, I have always loved it. And I am so sorry you can’t play the same anymore, that must be quite a grief for you.
Yes, technology is rather amazing that way, I hope you find something helpful!
And it’s my pleasure!
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๐๐
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I have no musical talent. I imagine a musician without an instrument is almost like losing a body part. You feel as if there is something missing. It must be a wonderful feeling when instrument and musician are one.
Gorgeous piece of writing.
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You are so right. That feeling of being lost in sounds created with your own hands, your own body… it is harmony – like a violin and a bow (thanks to you for that one), just… right. Thank you Drew (hope itโs ok to use your name). I appreciate the time youโve taken to read and comment on this.
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Lol . I was thinking the same thing -violin and bow. Of course it is okay to use my name.
My pleasure
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I wrote a poem recently where I used the phrase โoctaves of a gaspโ then I had to go to your site to see if I had somehow subconsciously taken that from something Iโd read of yours – i couldnโt find anything, but is that something you have used?
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Last month in my poem “breathe” I wrote the falsetto of my sigh.
Be creative. Don’t worry.
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Maybe that was what I was thinking of… octave of a gasp, falsetto of a sigh…. I can see how I may have made a link there. I had a feeling it was something that may have come from you, must have been inspired from that poem!
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Glad to inspire you.
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Sometimes it’s a pleasing thing to hear whispers turn to roars.
Gods that is magnificient writing. To think of the piano as ocean waves is so absolutely close to the mark that I cannot believe I had never seen it that way before.
I know this summer is about drawing, but this poem makes me wish I had piano lessons too…
Keep writing my friend. May the words be your melody.
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May the words be your melody….. WOW, how poetic, supportive, amazing is that. This has entirely made my day. I guess thatโs what my words have become, and for you to say that is a gift I will treasure. Thank you, you are wonderful.
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You are wonderful too my friend, but by know that ought to be apparent to you!
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Love your blog ๐
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Beautiful, magic. ๐
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Hi! I appreciate these words. Thank you. Have a wonderful day.
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Thank you. And you are Welcome.
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Oh, My!! Rachel, I loved this!! Thank you so much for linking me to this!! You have really addicted me to your writing and the beauty and wonderful weaving of your words!! You are a Master of painting masterpieces with your words!!! I really appreciate you sharing this with me.
Especially, loved the lines:
I crave
the thunderous noise of my fingers
like a pianoforte in the seafoam, . . . .
Sometimes itโs a pleasing thing
to hear whispers turned into roars.
Bellissimo, Rachel, Bellissimo
I would so love it if you don’t think it rude or inappropriate to ask – Rachel, dare I ask how or why you have lost the ability to play the piano? It hurts my heart to think of you losing something that you loved to do. It would be an honor if you would share that with me?? I’m so happy though that you found poetry! You are really a super Poetess, Rachel!!! Reading your words is like savoring delicious sweets!! Mmmm! You said you had a “Couple” of poems, might you be willing to share the other link with me?? You have made my day, Dear Rachel, with your words and the capture of the feelings and emotions they paint!!
Chuck
xoxo
๐๐น๐น
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Chuck, you really are so kind about my writing. It means so much you enjoy what I write, I feel very lavished upon!
As for why I canโt play the piano… thank you for asking this. Itโs one of those things I often prefer to brush off, itโs a long story and it never feels like thereโs a โgoodโ way to tell it. It was neurological Chuck, caused by a lesion in the motor area of my brain a few years ago. Thankfully it was treated and I am fine now, but my hand was permanently affected…. overall I feel lucky but I do grieve not being able to play the piano now. Forgive me, Iโll probably delete this from my blog once youโve seen it. I really do appreciate you asking, thank you ๐. Iโll see if I can find the link for the other musically themed poem, seen as youโve asked.
Take care, and I hope you had a great weekend.
Xoxo
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Oh, God!! I am so sorry Rachel!! I am so honored and privileged to have you share about your circumstance with the piano! I’m so overjoyed you are ok! You are way too sweet and kind to me! I care about you so I was wanting to know what took your love away from the piano. I definitely understand and expect you to remove this, no forgiveness needed, My Dear!! I do have a contact page that is private as an FYI if I should ever be bold and out of place again!!
As to your writing, Rachel, it is I who feel lavished upon when I read such moving, elegant and emotional lines from your pen and your mind!! Your words require praise for the masterful execution of such delightful and satisfying poetry!! Until you read a lot of poetry you cannot appreciate this like I do. You, My Dear are like the butterfly who does not know she is beautiful because she cannot see it but those around do – and in my opinion have an obligation to tell her – I’m telling you now, Rachel – You and your words are like the beautiful butterfly! And I can only read and be forced by my heart to tell you thank you – Bellissimo Rachel for the joy of reading your words and work!!
I hope you had a great weekend and are staying safe!!
Chuck
xoxo
๐๐๐น
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Thank you Chuck. How could I not feel like my poetry is like a beautiful butterfly when you say such things. Thank you for being so caring and understanding ๐ xoxo
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Ok, that’s very fair and less time for you! Would love to do this for you since you are being a, Dear Heart to look at them. I will send you just four and see if that is a good number for you. I will go do this and get them to you later today. I will put them on your contact page!! You are so Sweet!! ๐๐
Chuck
xoxo
๐๐๐น
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Well, just wanted to be sure you see and understand what we see in You and your writing!! Hey, isn’t that what cheerleaders do?? I’m doing the work, just not in the outfit.
Chuck
xoxo
๐๐๐น
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The link you asked for:
https://inmindandout.home.blog/2019/08/19/i-lost-my-instrument/
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Thank you so much, Rachel!! I really appreciate you doing this!!
xoxo
๐๐๐น
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๐How about in return, you sent some links to poems of yours that you would like me to read. I keep running out of time to look through your archives!
Take care
Rachel xoxo
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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