The gift arrived in my twelfth year
while I was being taught
the accumulation of others’
knowledge in books
during the course of another day
bright sun rays dancing
off concrete and asphalt
dust devils creating havoc
in the schoolyard
the joy on my face evident
upon seeing the Spinet
a large red bow dressing
its glossy maple surface
waiting for me
beckoning me
playing the white and black keys
that struck the harp within
a euphoria like no other
healing hidden pain
she had no idea of what time spent
scrimping pennies had done
to raise hopes in a world
changed forever
the year I was ten
the station wagon had lingered
a massive tangled wreck
on the cement driveway
a constant reminder
that a body cannot
always be fixed
I played the Spinet as though
my life depended on it
the music resonating
louder than my heart
the gift arrived in my twelfth year
cradling my hands
as though warm loving arms
helping me to breathe
to lift a wounded spirit
giving space to heal
© 2016 Renee Espriu
The BeZine 