Remembering ~~~

A Haibun I composed in 2021 ~~ 

A bit of family history is in order …. Mother couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket and, I’m embarrassed to say, my sisters and I sometimes told her so. Daddy could play any instrument handed to him. He delighted us at the piano, played “by ear” whatever tune we requested. He had a lovely voice and perfect pitch. I inherited my father’s musical ability ... his innate desire to perform. He passed away when I was sixteen going on seventeen.

From an early age, music was part of our family reality, I learned to read music at nine, harmonized at ten, directed a church ‘junior’ choir at thirteen, I was a ‘ham’ who loved performing. { No doubt I shared a “smell of the greasepaint, roar of the crowd" thing with my Dad. } 

I played flute in school bands from fourth grade into high school, won tons of medals, sang in school choirs, gigs onstage with my gal-pal trio, you name it, I did it. Daddy kept his emotions 'close to the vest' but I know he was thrilled I had inherited his musical ability. We didn't have much time ~

remembering him

his enduring influence   

thankful for his gifts