Tag: music

Happy Announcement!

On By Piano girl10 Comments

Faith is personal. It ebbs and flows as we move through life. Hymns and scripture are part of my journey. They offer hope and simple reminders of God’s love.

I’m excited to announce my poetry collection, Quiet Embers-A Poetry of Faith. It will be available next Tuesday, June 25!

What a joy to work with tara caribou of Raw Earth Ink https://raw-earth-ink.com/. Her creative attention to design and layout added so much to the collection. Also, a big thank you to my son, Ryan, for the beautiful cover art!

I will post links once it’s available for order! Until then, here’s a sneak peek.

Fifteen Minutes or a Lifetime

On By Piano girl8 Comments

Ideas and actions
Some good
Some not so good
Often designed
To bring fame
Even if only
Fifteen minutes worth
Fifteen minutes
Or a lifetime
Eventually, the attention
Rings hollow-
I used to think
I’d like to be a rockstar
Wearing rockstar clothes
Playing piano on stage
But now, I’m grateful
That I get to be
A friend
An encourager
Someone who cries
During sad movies
And laughs at
Her husband’s jokes-
Someone who plays piano
Singing a simple song
Smiling as her granddaughter
Stands nearby swaying
Back and forth to the music…

Heartfelt Revisions

On By Piano girl8 Comments 
When the notes
Fall out of tune
Will you still listen?
When my hands
Grow stiff and slow
Will my music still
Make you smile?
When wrong notes
Become noticeable 
Will you still ask me to play?
Music played in the past
Not always playable 
In the future-
Notes too many
Rhythms too complicated
Tempos too fast-
But what if 
I intentionally 
Left out a few notes
Simplified rhythms
Relaxed tempos-
As long as the music
Remained centered
In my heart, perhaps
You would not object
To my necessary revisions
Secret of Life-James Taylor
Kelley Morris, piano

Sweet Visit

On By Piano girl7 Comments

Hello there!
I hoped we might
See you today
Always look forward
To your visits
What’s that?
Yes, I imagine
It takes a lot
Of energy
For you to make
An appearance
Yesterday’s warmth
And sunshine
Must have been
The perfect pairing
You can’t stay long?
I understand
We will enjoy
Each other’s company
As long as we are able

What a difference one sunny day makes! 💛

Daffodils Kelley Morris, piano

Canvas

On By Piano girl3 Comments

Fog rises over
A golden field
Not dense
Holding just enough
Presence
For sunbeams
To paint
Their portraits
Across the hazy canvas-
Temporary
Yet, beautiful
Reflecting
Yet, dissipating
Energy soaked in
Then released
Into another day
Another time
When light and mist
Once again
Cross paths
Creating art
Creating life

Sunshine On My Shoulder Kelley Morris, piano

For Old Time’s Sake

On By Piano girl11 Comments

A childhood photo
Favorite song
Cherished tradition
Competitive game
Of cousin kickball
Why would we attempt to recreate such things?
Because memories fade
Some we hope
To never forget
Others we wish
We could forget
But time is a teacher
Showing us where
Each puzzle piece belongs
And that our personal picture
Unlike the puzzle in a box
Has no straight edges
Always leaving room
For new connections

 Auld Lang Syne Kelley Morris, piano

Happy New Year, Friends! ❤️

Merry Christmas

On By Piano girl8 Comments

I hope you enjoy a few of my favorite decorations and carols. Wishing you the joy and peace of Christmas! ❤️

In the Bleak Midwinter Kelley Morris, piano
Silent Night, Holy Night Kelley Morris, piano
Hark! The Heral Angels Sing  Kelley Morris, piano

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girl9 Comments

Music is a foundational part of my life. It is there to help me celebrate. It is there when I’m sad. Whether playing or listening, its power is undeniable. Today seems like a good time to simply share. 😉❤️

Blackbird by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Kelley Morris, piano
Sunshine On My Shoulders by John Denver
Kelley Morris, piano
Cool Change-The Little River Band
Kelley Morris, piano

Red Rover

On By Piano girl1 Comment 
Standing 
Shoulder
To shoulder
Hands held tight
Forming a
Red Rover line
Strong enough
To keep out
Any who seek
To discourage
All the while
Carrying the
Most precious
Of cargos
Our future
On their 
Shoulders
A responsibility
That when shared
Shines a light
Through
The troubles
Of this day
Into the time
Ahead of us

I am not preparing to return to the classroom. It’s the first time in sixteen years. Feels a bit strange.

There are tiny tinges of sadness. I miss the Good Morning smiles and hugs from friends. The laughter of students. The sharing of music.

Teacher friends, you are my heroes! I am cheering you on from the sidelines! ❤️🍎

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girl2 Comments

I continue to discover the ways of grief. Sometimes expected, often not. I continue to be grateful for the writing circle space created by Ali Grimshaw. https://flashlightbatteries.blog/ What a gift to get feelings down on paper and share them with loving souls.

The following poem came out of our recent circle. Maybe you can relate. ❤️

Ready to Listen

It seemed like
A good idea
Frantically
Searching
Through old
Voicemails
I thought
I was ready
To listen-
The sound
Of your voice
Even from a
Recording
Would surely
Bring peace
Instead, it was
An instant reminder
Of how much I miss you-
You have not been gone very long-
Grief made her
Presence known
In the song of
Falling tears
And together
We quietly sang
A sad, yet
Grateful
Melody