The Echoes poetry competition to celebrate Write Out Loud's 20th anniversary is now open.  Judged by Neil Astley.

Competition closes in 8 days, 22 hours. Get details and Enter.

CONCERTO FOR KEYBOARD AND SKIP

Goodbye old keyboard

you served me well

your presence is a ghost from the recent past,

a man in high viz went up some steps

to a council skip and placed you there. 

I'm here to give thanks on your final gig

an insult for a life well spent

in an intimate bond of give and take

a parting touch for old times' sake

before your final swift descent. 

◄ ZING WENT THE STRINGS

BACK IN THE SEVENTIES ►

Comments

Profile image

raypool

Sun 28th Jan 2024 16:36

Ah a fellow keyboardist! Years ago most people owned steam pianos bedecked with photos etc. Uilleam. They often dominated a room. I too have a limited space!

Disillusionment hangs in the air like pine needles Mark. My neighbour cast their piano out into the garden. Imagine!

Another ball game John. A bit Milliganesque that! I like it a lot.

Thanks for all your likes: Graham, Kevin, Keith, Stephen, Aleisha, Holden and Carlton...

Ray

Profile image

John Gilbert Ellis

Fri 26th Jan 2024 23:12

I’m reminded of the Captain Beefheart story where he chucked out a saxophone because it had run out of notes. I like to think that’s true.

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Fri 26th Jan 2024 16:08

Like Christmas trees, there is something ineffably poignant about
an abandoned musical instrument. So much pleasure thrown
(literally) on the heap of discarded dreams.

Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Tue 23rd Jan 2024 18:21

Thanks Ray.
I remember well the sadness at parting with my old keyboard after it had outgrown our small front room.😟

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

This site uses only functional cookies that are essential to the operation of the site. We do not use cookies related to advertising or tracking. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more Hide this message