Tag: piano

First Few Notes

On By Piano girl3 Comments

Like an old friend
whose gentle voice
immediately fills your soul
so is the song whose first few notes
gently pull you into a familiar embrace

Tears and smiles
grapple for their rightful
place in an emotional response
before finally acknowledging the
intention was always to coexist

Working together
they plant melodic lines
and poetic lyrics deep inside
the heart of the youngest listener-
at first, unaware of their influence

Roots grow, weaving in,
out, and around the decisions
and experiences of life, creating
a sweet, pliable core of awareness
always ready for another listen

And then one day…

A familiar chord
A long-fade ending
like a trusted friend
offers a lingering sense of sweet
acceptance…a hopeful see you again soon

Secret of Life by James Taylor
Kelley Morris, piano
Never gets old…
Sweet Baby James

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girl2 Comments

Happily Lost

I’ve sensed rhythm
In the rain before
But this time was different-
The raindrops seemed
To create patterns of
Threes and fours
Triplets and sixteenths
Alternating, gently pulling
And pushing the tempo
Of the song playing
On the radio-
How was this possible?
I crinkled my forehead
As if a deeper focus might
Answer my question-
But then the patterns were gone
Whirled away with the wind
Leaving my mind to rest-
No matter-
For just a moment
I was happily lost
Between the rain and a song

Listen to the Rhythm of the Falling Rain
Kelley Morris, piano

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girl5 Comments

The Earth is still
Cold and quiet
Not frozen to the core
Yet, longing to
Soak in and reflect
Any ray of sunlight
Able to reach the surface-
What about my heart?
Is it cold, quiet, frozen?
Or simply longing-
Longing to remember
The love sent long ago-
A precious baby
Held close by His mother
Greeted by cattle and sheep
While angels filled the sky

In the Bleak Midwinter-Kelley Morris, piano

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

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

Counting Moments

On By Piano girl4 Comments

It seemed so silly. Embarrassing, almost. Crying in front of a perfect stranger. A customer, at that.

He asked about music: music that reminded me of Dad. The songs could have been a playlist from my dad’s eight-track player in his truck. If playlists had been such a thing back then.

He responded with words of understanding. His eyes reassuringly glistened. We talked about how he had played piano when he was younger. Now that he was retired, he might have more time to play.

I encouraged him to continue playing. Even mentioned taking lessons. He left with a registration form in hand.

A chance meeting? Or maybe, just maybe, a moment worth counting.

Fast forward a few weeks. And a now familiar face walked in the door.

Hi, Mike!

Oh, you remember me?

Of course! I told my family how I had cried in front of a perfect stranger at work!

We both smiled. There were no tears this time.

Decided I would like to sign up for those piano lessons. When can we start?

I no longer felt silly or embarrassed. Instead, I held a moment of awe in the middle of my heart, standing in the middle of a music store.