The Piano ( Edited today )

    
      
Black it stood, lid half open        
golden taut strings   ...   ...   ...      
She watches   ...   ...   ...   ...  ...
long   ...   ...strong   ...   ...fingers,        
a pianist's hands   ...   ...   ...       
precise, no effort, well-spent    
hours on the stool, straight back .      
Caressing the keys   ...   ...   ...    
each according to its needs.        
No effort spared, none wasted.        
Tonight he was to play.        
She slipped beside him    
there was room   ...   ...   ...  
The stool long and black,        
thought he did not notice,       
laid her hand on his.        
They had never met        
did not know his name 'til now.        
Concert ticket in her hand ,      
Schumann on the page        
love in her mind.        
Did he know that she was his?        
‘Schumann! how I love him.        
Let me play   ...   ...   ...      
know how it sounds,        
but need help   ...   ...   ...      
'Your hands my guide.’        
The pianist spread his hands,        
hers in his palm   ...   ...   ...      
So they played duet to empty chairs,        
gold and red, the lid half open        
Schumann not forgotten   ...   ...   ...     
taut strings, ivory keys and ebony,        
a pianist's hands   ...   ...   ...   ...  
long and strong   ...   ...   ...   ...     
programme on the floor.