deepundergroundpoetry.com
Guitar/ Vocal
Bittersweet reminiscence.
As your shy smile flickers to life on the screen and
your music speaks to the soul,
I'm transported back to another time—
so close I could reach out and touch it,
yet so long ago;
carved out in its vividness
by impressionable youth.
For that short time only,
we formed a new band;
a one-time incarnation
of rock 'n' roll, heightened emotions and fun.
Despite my dubious credentials
and stylistic unfamiliarity,
you welcomed me into your world for a while—
your gentleness and care
my guides through the unknown.
I conquered my fears,
stepped out of the boat;
performed something new
with exhilaration,
buoyed by our success.
You were seen.
You were heard.
You were cherished.
You were loved.
Though it's now hard to listen,
We're grateful for your songs.
They will help to sustain us until
we can play together once more.
As your shy smile flickers to life on the screen and
your music speaks to the soul,
I'm transported back to another time—
so close I could reach out and touch it,
yet so long ago;
carved out in its vividness
by impressionable youth.
For that short time only,
we formed a new band;
a one-time incarnation
of rock 'n' roll, heightened emotions and fun.
Despite my dubious credentials
and stylistic unfamiliarity,
you welcomed me into your world for a while—
your gentleness and care
my guides through the unknown.
I conquered my fears,
stepped out of the boat;
performed something new
with exhilaration,
buoyed by our success.
You were seen.
You were heard.
You were cherished.
You were loved.
Though it's now hard to listen,
We're grateful for your songs.
They will help to sustain us until
we can play together once more.
Written by
Wafflenose
(Ellie)
Published 23rd Feb 2022
| Edited 24th Feb 2022
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 4
reading list entries 0
comments 16
reads 377
Commenting Preference:
The author encourages honest critique.
Re. Guitar/ Vocal
Re: Re. Guitar/ Vocal
24th Feb 2022 00:16am
Re: Re. Guitar/ Vocal
24th Feb 2022 00:18am
Absolutely not. He was part of an established band. I'm classically trained, but was roped in to play with them for a party about 20 years ago. He was a gentle giant (6'6"), shy and absolutely lovely. We weren't close, as he was more a friend of a friend... but he died at the weekend at a tragically young age and a few of my friends are in absolute bits about it.
Re: Re. Guitar/ Vocal
24th Feb 2022 00:24am
I'm sorry to hear that. I saw you as the leader of the band who chose the members. My bad. Yes, you should all get together one day & perform again as a tribute to your friend. I would personally like to be in the front row. Once again, I am very sorry to learn of your grief & loss.. Believe me, I know what that feels like.
1
Re: Re. Guitar/ Vocal
24th Feb 2022 00:26am
Thank you. I didn't know most of the material, and got bored during endless rehearsals at what appeared to be The Society of Guitar Obsessives. But in the end, it was fun. I even got paid - a pittance, but better than nothing.
Re: Re. Guitar/ Vocal
24th Feb 2022 00:28am
Let me know when you all feel up to doing a show or even some live Mic poetry. I would like to hear & feel the emotion.
0
Re: Re. Guitar/ Vocal
24th Feb 2022 00:31am
Ooh. I've never done anything like that... tell me more. A bit of live performance for you here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygUtcJzmYhQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygUtcJzmYhQ
Re. Guitar/ Vocal
24th Feb 2022 00:37am
I did a few slots at The Poetry Cafe in Covent Garden, London, a few years back. It was called 'Platform One' poetry, every 1st Saturday of the month I think. Basically, you just showed up prior to the start at 7.30pm, paid a fiver & put your name down for a 5 min slot.
0
Re: Re. Guitar/ Vocal
24th Feb 2022 00:37am
It sounds amazing! Such a shame that I'm socially phobic and do not Go Out!
Re: Re. Guitar/ Vocal
24th Feb 2022 00:40am
Lol! Although I know it's not funny at all. It's the irony of the human condition I am laughing at. I would always advise a few alcoholic drinks beforehand, friends for support & your poems written down, so you can just read off the page; lol. 😉
1
Re. Guitar/ Vocal
2nd Apr 2022 9:08am
Excellent poem. I enjoyed reading. The poem pays homage to your friend, I'm sure he appreciates it. I too am sorry for your loss. My best friend passed away suddenly this past December, I am still grieving. Losing a friend can be like losing the arm you used to put around them. I have not been able to talk about it, this is the first time. Thank you for writing your beautiful poem.
1
Re. Guitar/ Vocal
2nd Apr 2022 9:22am
Thank you for commenting, and I'm sorry for your loss too. This was someone I wasn't super close to, but he was a lovely person. I've since lost a closer friend and colleague, aged 42. I'm fundraising in his memory, but haven't really begun to process it yet.
Re. Guitar/ Vocal
2nd Apr 2022 1:19pm
This is a very apt tribute which delves into the spaces between the words and friendship, much like the spaces between music, which holds the composition together. Those people who come into our lives and draw us outward are always those to be remembered, whether we were close or simply acquaintances. I love classical combined with modern music, particularly rock and/or even heavy metal. Metallica with the San Francisco Orchestra was one of the best concerts ever - second only to Procol Harem in Denmark.
While I know this is not a NaPo poem, I want you to know how strongly I feel you've come out of the gate in the challenge this year. I've always felt you were a solid writer, though to me a great majority of musicians are. It's like you can hear a melody non-musicians can't. Best of luck in completing the challenge. I feel you'll brave it beautifully!
While I know this is not a NaPo poem, I want you to know how strongly I feel you've come out of the gate in the challenge this year. I've always felt you were a solid writer, though to me a great majority of musicians are. It's like you can hear a melody non-musicians can't. Best of luck in completing the challenge. I feel you'll brave it beautifully!
1
Re: Re. Guitar/ Vocal
2nd Apr 2022 1:23pm
What an absolutely beautiful comment, Ahavati. Thank you so much. You really get it!
Re: Re. Guitar/ Vocal
2nd Apr 2022 1:37pm