Monday, December 21, 2015

The Eloquent Pair

The Eloquent Pair
Two born on the eve of the snowy Yuletide
Whose first pleas for warmth were by mere moments spaced
Whose mothers beheld them with joy and with pride
Like beacons of hope in the strange world they faced

The first to a kindred of long-standing roots
In opulent splendour, to ample acclaim
The second in modest surroundings as suits
One starting out life with a commoner's name

Towards advanced goals was the privileged one steered
By which words do the working, rather than hands
As the son of a tanner was the other boy reared
Where he might have to yield to a few more demands

To invention the firstborn applied the tuned string
Though his progress lay irksomely shrouded in doubt
A great deal could be made with the notes he could sing
But he had not the fingers to let it all out

The nimble subordinate's needle and thread
Zigzagged through leather at dazzling speed
But his capable hands could not get him ahead
For more joyful pursuits, to be free of his need

War came upon them, stern and severe
Sweeping them off to commensurate ranks
As a medic, the humbler stayed to the rear
While his opposite bravely commanded the tanks

As approached the next Yuletide, by a shattering rebuff
With the shells raining down, the tank captain was struck
The medic responded adroitly enough
To recover the wounded for the fight against luck

The wounded went right away under the knife
Of the doctors who offered the peak of their care
From the outset they knew they could salvage his life
But his poor smashed up arm was beyond all repair

Among the recovering, he soon was aware
Of the cruel dilemma this Christmas would bring
As a one-armed composer with new work to share
With what instrument would he make his songs ring?

At his side stood a visitor, following through
With his duty to see to the health of his case
And the strains were more lively from his point of view
On the battered guitar he had brought from the base

The great virtuoso transformed the sad lot
Inspiring his captain to lift up his voice
And the eloquent pair from performing ceased not
Until even the beds in the ward would rejoice

Two born anew in an unlikely place
As masterful makers of glorious song
Perhaps smiled upon by miraculous grace
May their acquaintance be pleasant and long

  
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© 2006, 2015. Verses by David Skerkowski. All rights reserved.

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