Her Music Braved The Darkness

For a remarkable young lady who survived Sarajevo.

 

Winter crept throughout the valley

taunting those who would not flee

Each new day a solemn funeral

another friend for whom to grieve

Little food, no heat, no windows

only the will to stay, to fight

But for those held hostage in the city

from the darkness, music, every night

  

The old piano, an ancient treasure

oh the stories it could tell

It came from a time long past away

but those years were weathered well

At keyboard’s edge, a gifted girl

from deep within the music played

As night crept upon the city

the young girl‘s hands could not be stayed

 

So she sat and played for hours

as the shells fell all around

She didn’t notice the explosions

that shook the very ground

She just played that old piano

as she awaited her time to die

She gave hope to all the people

her gift of music, every night

 

Over time the shells stopped falling

her sweet music faded away

The survivors rebuilt their city

and it thrives again today

But many still remember

the music in the night

And the girl? Oh she still plays, yes…

but to a different sort of fight.

Reviews

[J]

One of the things that makes your work especially gratifying to read is that it is so often inspired by the heart and doings of others and expressed in the way it effects yours. This young lady's story is absolutely beyond courageous, and your sharing it in your beautiful verse is positively inspiring.

Again, I am in awe of where your heart takes you.
;-) ~j

[Amplyyours]

This is one that Emily suggested that I read and it is a beautiful as the girl's playing in midst of all of the destruction. The scene that you set up and the story that you show is so heart felt. Is this based on a particular story or just something that you loosely based of many stories?

As I read I imagined it being in England during WWII in London and young girl about 12 walking and just sitting and playing. As she is the youngest in the room in age but courage makes her the oldest and wisest there. She is striking the keys forceful playing Mozart or maybe Bach, quieting the room and soothing nerves. The bombs come in as the drums compelling her to play harder and sweeter. I just loved it.

It says it was in Yugoslavia but that is what I saw and felt as I read.

[An Ordinary Woman]

Thanks again for sharing your wonderful poems and stories, Dale.

I miss you.

[Jibey]

I remember reading a book about a pianist who played in the same spot every night in Sarajevo during the terrible siege there a few years ago. Somehow he survived and became a legend. Art has a special contribution to make when ugliness and destruction threaten to overwhelm.

[Michael W. Farrelly]

heart-wrenching tale....and a beautiful write..............

[J]

Ohmygoodness! Look at this! I am so proud of you! Congratulations! What well-deserved recognition!

xo
j

[Brenda Sue]

An awesome write. Beautifully penned. Great job.

[Bear]

the artistic usually find a way to express themselves especially when times are darkest; it's their way of surviving, day to day, in hopes that freedom's sunlight might soon shine upon them once again.

A fabulous write! Thanks for sharing you words and the piano player's gift.
Bear

[J. B. Stearns]

Awesome. With the help of your carefully chosen words and verse, I could feel it. And I have to feel it! ;-)

[angelinmypocket]

The undeniable courage of one young lady to bring beauty into what she thought were her last days on earth. She had to have been playing to the songs of the angels. An awesome write and dedication . So very inspiring. Few would or could demonstrate so much courage.

[CarrieLynn {Chameleon A..]

beautiful write! :)