The Piano

We rounded the corner, and I caught a glimpse

Of hammers and strings and keys all awry

And amber wood shattered in a thousand pieces.

The girl stood with her face in her hands,

And the boy stood with his arms about her

As she mourned the loss of a friend.

Gently, gently now, good sir,

Play adagio.

I think I know how it happened.

The piano fell from the bed of their truck

As they rounded the corner too fast.

Now it stood on its side, bent and battered,

Never to speak again.

Softly, softly, not too loud,

Play pianissimmo.

We drove on. And though I faced forward,

My heart remained with the girl who had suddenly lost so much. 

Oh, so many years they might've spent together! 

For pianos are made to live long, long lives.

This one's end came swift and soon,

And yet - though it is sad to think on her loss -

I am glad that this one was so loved before the end.

Dolce now, and dolore, 

And still adagio.