11:23
i was seven years old
i tapped the ivory keys mindlessly
my rhythm out of sync
far from in key
you cheered me from your seat
i was nine years old
you brought flowers to my recital
my hands were shaking
as i approached the piano stool
i looked into the crowd
your smile assured me
i was eleven years old
i stopped walking to the piano
some days
i didn't even look at it
dust gathered up on the old finished wood
but you never stopped calling to listen
to me play
i was seventeen years old
your ears could not hear as clearly
your eyes could not see my fingers press the keys
but i knew your heart could feel what your body could not
'i know you can't hear me'
'but i play every day'
'and it's always for you'
two days after you died
i walked to the piano
and played your favorite song
although you are gone
i know you are listening
