fragrant whiffs of music
from his yard sale saxophone
caught a breeze
and sailed across the field
to call me one last time
before he heads back
for final conversations
with family and friends
afraid of being alone
when his voice
is the only one
to be heard
now he says
he’s got no children
something the first wife said to them
made them feel unwelcomed
even when the welcome mat was out
so now he’s tired of trying
to have conversations
when no one’s listening
better to just pack up
and head home
before
more
snow
comes
Hi RS .. gosh isn’t that true .. how our words hurt .. repair is more difficult to say the least. I love the picture and the phrase ‘fragrant whiffs of music’ ..
I listened to you reading the poem .. and it was something I must do in future .. thanks for posting both .. Hilary
Uncanny timing on this one… watched the movie Bird last night. Your poem like the movie makes me consider the hidden, not so pleasant, life that may inspire an artist.
Read Between the Minds 
something the first wife said to them
made them feel unwelcomed …
Speaks volumes, you really do have a way about you Charles!
A woeful, sad poem like the lower notes of the Sax
perfectly portrayed my friend
That is so sad! I hope it’s not true.
amazing and touching charles. your poems always make me wonder about the versatility of their topic and your expertise in handling them.
loved the undercurrent of hope in last few lines.
Sad. Many of us go unheard a lot of time. Maybe that is the way of life.
Enjoyed reading as always. 🙂
a sad poem to match the sax’s sad sound
Feelings come out in volumes in your poetry, what a wonderful gift to be able to cause others to feel.
Sad. And, yes, I have noticed many times that music is a conversation you can have alone. Happy weekend to you my friend!
thats so touching … beautifully penned.
this was engrossing !! i just was trapped in these lines..
something so sad about this, especially
he’s got no children
something the first wife said to them
made them feel unwelcomed
even when the welcome mat was out
loved the saxophone in it, set the tone right away
Aww… This is so touching…
The unknown damage done to lives…
whiffs of music ….sailing breez….conveyinf the sorrows of an unwelcomed wife…..nice to feel the imagination developing wings….
Hi RS .. gosh isn’t that true .. how our words hurt .. repair is more difficult to say the least. I love the picture and the phrase ‘fragrant whiffs of music’ ..
I listened to you reading the poem .. and it was something I must do in future .. thanks for posting both .. Hilary
Glad I listened as well as read, got the intonations you meant. Sad poem, but good obbservation. Thanks.
Uncanny timing on this one… watched the movie Bird last night. Your poem like the movie makes me consider the hidden, not so pleasant, life that may inspire an artist.