Poetry's Palette

An old piano

My annual day loomed near, I felt a sense of dread,
Mrs. Bower said, "Play the grand piano scarlet," she said.
But it overwhelmed me, I didn't want to participate,
All I desired was freedom, to escape this heavy weight.

This college, I despised, expectations weighed me down,
I wanted to confess, incapable of wearing this crown.
Yet, it's not their fault, I've molded myself this way,
My heartbreak keeps my emotions at bay.

Walking home, a thought suddenly came to mind,
I hadn't touched the piano since love was left behind.
My worries consumed me, practicing was a distant task,
I feared becoming a joke, a performance I couldn't mask.

Facing the teacher's wrath, I reluctantly went,
The closing act was mine, to the stage I was sent.
Sitting before the city, hands trembling on the keys,
I prayed to God, please calm my nerves, ease my unease.

In an instant, my prayers were answered, I felt a presence near,
My lover stood behind me, erasing my fear.
His hands intertwined with mine, his perfume filled the air,
A reassuring smile, he said, "Let the show resume, fair."

Our hands danced in harmony, a symphony so sweet,
Playing our first and favorite tune, a moment complete.
Like a piece of cake, I recalled the notes he taught,
That July afternoon, when piano lessons were sought.

After what felt like minutes, the crowd erupted in applause,
Clapping and cheering, their appreciation without pause.
Turning to thank my lover, for helping me shine,
I found myself alone, in a nostalgic rewind.

Four years have passed since my lover's untimely end,
Today, coincidentally, the day he taught me to transcend.
In an old piano's embrace, we created a marvelous display,
His spirit guiding me, on this special annual day.