The keys Ivory and black
Play melodies of personal tragedy
Life springs inspiration to task
Where purpose touches gladly

Relieving for a moment
Pent-up energy that arises
Until the vocal chorus is sent
To the waiting audience's solace

Cigarette smoke swirls
Around the curly dark hair
As the bar-like tumult
Speaks cool, masking despair

Survivor of multiple heartbreaks
Bankrupted, stolen worth drives
Anger, desire, a clear tone speaks
So, each tune is a work that appears

As if there is no effort
Yet each note takes a toll
So, the desire to create floats
To the bottom of stories left untold

02/22/2025

Author's Note: Billy Joel is if not my favorite musician, he is at least in the top five. Those thoughtful lyrics and piano play, reach me and many others.

Posted on 02/22/2025
Copyright © 2025 James Zealy