Poised for Play: Interactive Prose

The photograph of this piano was taken behind a church / school / catering service in Seattle, WA. Signs of weathering and location makes one automatically give this piano an elaborate back story, piecing together clues of its captivating lifespan, which will continue. For all we know, the history of this piano is locked away in the mind of a stranger who would love to share the fascinating truth behind this old piano, but is sure no one is interested, so they choose to carry the burden with the life and experiences this piano endured.

Since the true history of this piano is now inaccessible, it is everyone’s right to give this instrument purpose, give it a life it may have never had. Create memories with the image of this piano – isn’t that the greatest accomplishment of a life? To be remembered favorably?

So we ask, why wasn’t this piano discarded? Torn apart. Separated from its whole into manageable parts and tossed in a heap? Maybe its parts are more manageable as one piece. Maybe It’s endurance in this place is with purpose. And, maybe this purpose is greater than any imaginary back story we could conceive. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.

Two haiku – In Memory of this old Piano:

          Anticipating                                                       The keys don’t know the

                       the touch of nimble fingers                               hammers lay slack, severed, frayed.

       ivory keys a-glow.                                                   Keys stay poised for play.

Photograph, Story & Haikus by: Jordan R Shaver