Growing Pains

Here’s an old photo for an old song.

I think I’m about thirteen here, playing my ancient, beloved piano with the name ‘Kunkle’ written on the front in bold gold lettering. Not a very musically-sounding name, is it? It was no Steinway that’s for sure but it stayed in tune and had a friendly disposition which is all that mattered.

As I look back on it now, it seems learning to play the piano is a bit like learning to play life. You have to keep teasing out the difficult section until it runs smooth and then merrily, merrily life is but a dream until the next tricky patch and so it goes.

Growing Pains

Growing skywards slipping sideways

zooming ‘round and looking in
turning spirals leaping forwards

tripping up getting down
taking air sighing deeply
such despair oh willow weepy

tunnel diver aching heart’s
got the bends

growing pains

Quite determined a little nervous
ego bursting in a hurry
things to do places to go people to see

leaning out sliding backwards
figure eights on ice with dull-edged blades

eyes closed taking off
through fog landing the plane

growing pains

Come quickly I’m in trouble

there’s no joy in this struggle of building character
I have plenty thank you very much
don’t get something for nothing easy

hey, you’re young be light and breezy

but why is it I’m still wheezy
yet so wanting to sing?

Am I barking up the wrong tree
hey doc, what’s the matter with me
no little lady sit at home hell no
just hoot’en Annie on the running
on the spot at square one

with a zest for evolution

no not neurotic only a human
late bloom’in hopeful
with a soft skin to boot

growing pains

© Anne Beverly Brown ~ 1984

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *