.
Brass chimes
that fall apart
in high winds.
Singing out
their final song
before the storm
takes them.
Do we ever notice
the last
of anything?
Sounds of life
and never quiet.
Hold the world at bay
with crystal timbre.
So low the notes fall
to hit the sad ones.
Give it a minute,
You’re gonna love
the chorus.
Then,
nothing.
Not one sound.
The band stops,
the record scratches,
and the birds fly away.
Heartless archers
consider the world
their target.
Bring it all home.
One more big refrain.
The house comes down
and the crowd goes wild.
File out.
Ones and twos.
Get into their cars
and drive home,
but the song
doesn’t stay
on their lips
very long.
Worn out bass drum,
punched through.
Old guitar,
bent neck,
and no strings.
Tarnished trumpet,
mouthpiece missing.
Do you think
anyone knows
when they played
their last song?
HG – 2022
