‘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.
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?
Friday Fictioneers is hosted by Rochelle and Anshu Bhojnagarwala provided the photo.
Prod the frog to see who else is taking part this week!
Your narrator sounds like a contented soul, despite the ravages of time.
He did what he wanted to do – who could ask for more? Thanks Sandra.
Contented soul.. Nice write, Keith.
He is, thanks Violet.
A satisfied life
Absolutely. Thanks Neil.
Dear Keith,
The musings of a musician who has pursued his own path. Not many can look back without regrets. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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.
This could well be a summary of my life Keith as I don’t play as much as I did due to arthritis.
That must be so frustrating. Thanks for dropping by.
I enjoy your posts Keith.
That’s very kind of you, thanks so much.
Growing old and losing those skills we once had is a real bugger! But he seems happy to have moved on.
I couldn’t put it better myself!
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?
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!
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.
No, I didn’t know that. Music really is magical. Thanks so much Linda
Poignant little tale, Keith. Lovely writing.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
That’s very kind of you Susan.
Sweet and sad.
Those were the days, my friend…
…he thought they’d never end…but they did.
As long as he’s contenta just listening, he soulds a happy man.
I’m sure he is. Thanks Liz.
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.
That’s exactly how I imagined him. Thanks so much for your visit.
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.
I wonder if we’ll achieve that? I’d like to think so. Thanks Penny
Lovely – the music lives on, n’est pas?
Things come and go but music lives on. Thanks Jennifer.
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 … 🙂
I have to admit I felt a little jealous of my subject even though I made him up! I’m pleased you thought it was worth reading an extra word!
🙂
I think what matters most is to do what you love… and music can be the best thing life can offer.
It certainly is for me. Thanks Björn
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 🙂
Congratulations and thank you so much for your generous words.
it looks like he has retired gracefully and accepted his fate. i consider that as a positive.
Likewise. Thanks Plaridel.
The music never died, which is a good thing, lets hope he keeps the faith in the notes!
…friends for life even if they’ve retired too.
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.
That is a very good point. Perhaps that’s why I never got into sport in my school-days!
Great story!
Thank you so much
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.
Hopefully the memories will remain. Thanks Abhijit
Beautifully done, Keith. He lived his life on his terms and was all the happier for it.
Not many of us manage that, sadly. Thanks Dale.
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.
Me too! Thanks Anurag
Music certainly filled his life. No regrets there.
Music is amazing, nearly as good as writing flash.
Different courses for different horses! Cheers Mike.
He made a choice and seemed to be happy with it..
Indeed he is. Thanks for the photo Anshu
What great attitude. Some would be depressed they could no longer play.
I know I would be! I quite envy my subject!
Good writing , I like the subtlety of it – a life story in 101 words. Well done.
Thank you so much.
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.
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
Reminds me of a movie I caught recently called “Quartet”. Music never leaves.
I must take a look! Thanks so much.
I knew someone just like this!
I wish I had. People can be so negative in his situation, understandably so.
Lovely that his music was a constant companion, that it never failed him even as his body did. Great story Keith
If only we were all that fortunate. Thanks Lynn
My pleasure
That’s beautiful, a life well lived and wisdom enough to treasure what remains.
Perfectly put, thank you so much.
Friends and a proper job, eh? It sounds like he made the right life choices, despite his father’s advice. Nicely told.
Fortunately he followed his heart. Thanks Margaret.
So beautiful and poignant. Well written, Keith.
Most kind of you Easha
I’m afraid this day is coming to all of us…
Well told.
-Rachel
It is, but we all handle it in different ways. Thanks Rachel.
Beautifully written!
Thank you!
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.
Not many of us I fear. Thanks so much Margarisa
I really like this character. Life’s too short not to live it to the full.
I quite agree. Accept what happens and make the most of it.