whether you can play
a thousand songs
or one
you’re magic
to me
how your hands
your voice
deftly do what
the music
asks of them
how sound
has the power
to reach places
words do not
how rhythm
can compel
my body to move
unbidden
how a melody
can evoke
decades-old
memories
such a different
sort of power
than poetry
so distant from me
that i used to be
envious
not realizing
the only thing
standing between
me
and music
was my own
impatience
for time
and practice
so, music makers
it’s more than
your prowess
that impresses me,
but your persistence
(i suppose
we all have
our specific
compulsions)
you
making music–
you’re magic
to me.
narinda heng 