A musical tale…

Keith's Ramblings

for Friday Fictioneers

 

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‘You need friends’ my father said, ‘and a proper job’.

But my fingers were my tools, ivory keys my colleagues and composers my friends. I earned little, but it paid the bills.

When on stage, notes flying, gliding, hovering, diving, my audience flew with me. I played in smoky jazz bars too, where I competed with chattering crowds. But I loved it.

Time took its toll on my overworked hands. I can’t play now. I gave my piano away. What happened to it, I don’t know. Music remains my companion, though now I consume, not create. It will never desert me, never.

 

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Word count 101. I promise to only use 99 next week!

My story is loosely based on a longer one I wrote a few years ago, but as very few people read it I thought I’d give it a tune and play it again! Second time lucky?

 

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Friday Fictioneers is hosted by Rochelle and Anshu Bhojnagarwala provided the photo.

Prod the frog to see who else is taking part this week!

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83 thoughts on “A musical tale…”

  1. Sandra Mar 13, 2019 / 10:43

    Your narrator sounds like a contented soul, despite the ravages of time.

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  4. rochellewisoff Mar 13, 2019 / 12:04

    Dear Keith,

    The musings of a musician who has pursued his own path. Not many can look back without regrets. Well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    • Keith's Ramblings Mar 13, 2019 / 12:38

      Edith Piaf singing ‘Non, je ne regrette rien’ came to mind when I read your words. She, like my subject had no regrets but as you say, few of us can relate to that, more is the pity. Thanks Rochelle.

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  5. pensitivity101 Mar 13, 2019 / 12:11

    This could well be a summary of my life Keith as I don’t play as much as I did due to arthritis.

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  6. Iain Kelly Mar 13, 2019 / 12:22

    Growing old and losing those skills we once had is a real bugger! But he seems happy to have moved on.

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  7. Kay G. Mar 13, 2019 / 12:33

    Hello Keith! Thanks very much for your comment on my blog. Happy to meet you. Will come back later to read more of your writing. Please, go for a walk on your lovely seafront and perhaps have a cup of tea at the Sovereign Cafe?

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    • Keith's Ramblings Mar 13, 2019 / 12:43

      Nice to make your acquaintance too Kay! I spotted your mention of my town in messimimi’s side bar and just had to take a look! I’ll raise my cup to you next time I’m in The Sov!

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  8. granonine Mar 13, 2019 / 13:22

    Did you know that Alzheimer’s is believed NOT to affect the part of the brain that retains the memory of music? I find that most comforting! Good story, Keith.

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  10. ceayr Mar 13, 2019 / 14:41

    Sweet and sad.
    Those were the days, my friend…

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  12. M K Zebra Mar 13, 2019 / 16:09

    That third paragraph is my favourite – leaves me with the impression your character was an incredibly talented person who could take the room with him.

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  13. pennygadd51 Mar 13, 2019 / 19:09

    You written a heart-warming and hope-giving story. How lovely that your narrator has enjoyed such a fulfilling life on which he can look back without regret.

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  15. Na'ama Yehuda Mar 13, 2019 / 19:50

    I loved the rhythm of this, and the content-acceptance-determination that filled this musician’s life. Good for him! May we all find — and hold on to — what makes us who we are.
    🙂
    Na’ama
    PS I think it was fab with 101 … 🙂

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  17. Anna Rymer Mar 13, 2019 / 22:12

    This is beautifully written – so lyrical and captures his love so perfectly. I’m about to marry a man like this (although a different instrument). I love how his passion lives on despite his raging fingers – the beauty of music. You can have that extra word – you earn it 🙂

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  18. plaridel Mar 13, 2019 / 22:40

    it looks like he has retired gracefully and accepted his fate. i consider that as a positive.

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  20. messymimi's meanderings Mar 13, 2019 / 23:45

    The lady who taught piano to my kids pointed out many times that most kids won’t become sports stars or do some of their other extracurricular activities their whole lives, but the music they learned would be theirs for their whole lives. She was right.

    Beautiful story of a life lived to the full.

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    • Keith's Ramblings Mar 14, 2019 / 09:54

      That is a very good point. Perhaps that’s why I never got into sport in my school-days!

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  22. Abhijit Ray Mar 14, 2019 / 03:02

    What can be better if you can make a living doing what you love? Too bad you can’t play now. But you have good memories.

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  23. Dale Mar 14, 2019 / 03:41

    Beautifully done, Keith. He lived his life on his terms and was all the happier for it.

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  24. anuragbakhshi Mar 14, 2019 / 04:41

    He’s lived a truly fulfilling life, and I’m so glad that he’s not bitter at all even when he cannot play any more. I sincerely hope I feel the same if ever I can’t write or read anymore.

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  25. Alice Audrey Mar 14, 2019 / 16:59

    Music certainly filled his life. No regrets there.

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  26. Mike Mar 14, 2019 / 23:53

    Music is amazing, nearly as good as writing flash.

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  28. Tannille Mar 15, 2019 / 07:31

    What great attitude. Some would be depressed they could no longer play.

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  30. patrickprinsloo Mar 15, 2019 / 14:56

    That’s poignant. I shall now be looking with more interest at some of the oldies in the music pubs I visit from time to time.

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    • Keith's Ramblings Mar 16, 2019 / 09:50

      I always had a piano in my pub, and my restaurant and it’s amazing what you find out about some people when they spot it! Thanks Patrick

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  33. Lynn Love Mar 16, 2019 / 11:59

    Lovely that his music was a constant companion, that it never failed him even as his body did. Great story Keith

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  34. gahlearner Mar 16, 2019 / 23:02

    That’s beautiful, a life well lived and wisdom enough to treasure what remains.

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  35. Margaret Mar 17, 2019 / 05:56

    Friends and a proper job, eh? It sounds like he made the right life choices, despite his father’s advice. Nicely told.

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  39. magarisa Mar 19, 2019 / 17:44

    I really liked the way you described his state of euphoria while playing piano (flying, gliding, hovering, diving). He has followed his passion all his life… how many of us can say the same? A well-crafted tale.

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