Poem: The Music Spans Generations

I watch her on stage
in the company of fellow musicians
as they tune their instruments
and prepare
to serenade the audience
with lovely music.

That could have been me
forty or so years ago
if I'd had the courage
to tell my mother
what I wanted to do
and how I longed to do it.

She was too tired
the crowds too exhausting
the sacrifices too great
Unfulfilled dreams
with her own violin
she didn't want to open that book.

Other priorities
school was more important
Get straight A's, help the family
do what I want you to do
then think about what
you want to do you with your life.

Forty years later
my own daughter proudly plays
because she loves it
and she wants to
and I smile and be happy
for her and not just for me.