Life as a tune
Daily melodies play
To heart’s desire
Upon the keyboard

Up and down
Like the scales
One moment a burst
Of love and joy

Chirping highs
And tinkling sounds
That cheer the world
And make merry

Only to fall thus to
The lowest notes
Deep and dark
The sharps and flats

Alas, in the end
The cover is locked
No song to sing at
The voiceless piano

–Victoria Emmons ©2014