76 Trombones

76 Trombones

 

 

And the parade started with a single horn,

a single blow of a trombone.

 

In came the other 76 trombones,

the trumpet’s called their tune,

the drums took up the rhythm,

french horns blew low and strong.

 

The bells backed the drums in their time of need,

uniforms worn with pride,

o how the girls swooned,

and every boy knew in his heart,

he had to lead the parade.

 

So in-step the band played and marched,

never a sight was seen.

 

Marching with pride,

every member had their place,

and every place had a member.

 

76 trombones took their ranks,

and called for the other’s to follow,

110 cornets and bells right behind.

 

Never a sight could ever be seen again,

for the band took the day and led the charge.

 

Was it pride in their town,

or pride in what they could accomplish?

 

No one ever knew,

and no one asked.

 

It was about being part of something greater than themselves,

part of something that their town could be proud of.

 

Now the 76 trombones are laid quiet,

no band marches for the town.

 

No one picks up the brass horns,

or woodwinds,

and the drum sticks lie still next to the drums.

 

Where has the small town pride gone?

How could it have come to this?

 

If only one person would blow a horn,

play a drum,

understand a woodwind.

 

Would a small town lead the charge with pride,

against something bigger than themselves?

 

 

Author's Note

Reviews

[Saraswati]

Seriously ..such descent poetry..i wish..if you could write on this theme few more ...:)

[ron]

Thank you Leonaida you are very kind.
I will try.

[WhiteWillow]

This piece says to me, I miss the old days. And that can mean different things for different people. Its human nature to want to try to recapture our youth. The sad part is, change is a part of life, and you can never go back. The good news is, you will always have memories. And new ones are being made as we speak. Great provacative piece.

[ron]

Thank you very much. Very true.

[Lydia Shutter]

I come from a small town in New Jersey and remember fondly the parades we had for Memorial Day and Independence Day. The girl scouts, the boy scouts, the VFW and the Elks.....the high school band would lead the parade and all the town would stand on the sidelines to watch. It was all about pride. Not just in the neighborhood, but in the USA....about being a patriot and celebrating our freedom. Where have those days gone? Not sure. If only we could transport ourselves back in time! I liked this. Lydi**

[ron]

Thank you Lydi.
I'm not sure where those days for a lot of people have gone. We still have a small town atmosphere where I live, but its next to a couple of cities...

[Ruth]

If only unity paved the way instead of division...beautiful piece hon xo

[ron]

So very true Ruth.
Thank you this was a fun piece to write for me.

[~]

A beautiful yearning to resurrect beauty!

[ron]

Thank you very much.

[MsJewel]

This reminds me of college days - things seemed so simple then. A great descriptive write and a pleasure to read.

:) Julie

[ron]

Thank you MsJewel.
Yes a simpler time.

[Pryde Foltz]

Bravo … you say so much in what you have not said … excellent penning,

[ron]

Thank you Pryde.
I wish I could say more, but I guess I'm just someone who does short quickies.

[Pryde Foltz]

No it was long enough … lol … I mean the subtext was amazing:)

[ron]

Thank you, not sure what subtext is but thank you.
I want to write stories to, but I tend not to add enough detail to make anything a good story.

[Pryde Foltz]

Subtext is the meaning the reader gets from the story that the writer doesn't explicitly tell. You are a natural at this:)

[ron]

-blushing- Your very kind to say Pryde.

[Pryde Foltz]

It's true:)

[ron]

True or not I'm still blushing ;)

[NoelHC]

I think that spirit you are looking for still exists in small towns all over, enthusiastic young students, marching playing in bands, supportive parents lining Main Street, clapping and cheering.
I used to love that song when it came on the radio.

[ron]

Thank you Noel. I was in the high school band so this one is a bit close to my heart.

[Cody Williams]

Cool write Ron. It's kind of funny, but my Wind Ensemble told myself and the other four trombone players somewhat of a joke. It went like: Don't ever look at a trombone player...it will only encourage them. Good write Ron! Thanks for sharing it!

-CW

[ron]

Thank you Cody.
Every one in the band is important. Each has a part to paly.

[Lyn Anderson]

An interesting departure for you. What possessed you? We all crave to be, I think, part of something bigger than ourselves.

[ron]

It reminded me of my time in my high school band.