I'm Tony,
Louise Doerksen's husband. She passed away, sadly on April 3rd 2018 and I have been "appointed" to be her "successor" on this blog. My messages will key in on inanimate subjects such as this one: a musical instrument. I hope you will find them inspirational as well as humorous. This poem is about a piano that my wife Louise Doerksen learnt to play piano on.
Ode to a late-nineteenth century upright Heintzman piano
By Tony Doerksen.
Author of “The Saga of Turtle Mountain Coal” and a Cantata: “the Book of Ruth”
Fare thee well, beloved Maribel! Through dearth and dampness, cold and crampness you stilled a baby’s anxious cry, by chiming a tender lullaby!
You responded admirably to the casual touch of oily sweaty fingers…. the cacaphony still lingers!
Even Euodius and Syntech took a run at thee; but no human force could daunt thy liberty! You soldiered on through dust and storm. Thy shiny white and blameless keys defied most formidable onslaughts and bore up under FRIVOLOUS attempts to violate thy innocence.
With one exception: ’T'was a feckless dude, in a surly mood who (oh! how utterly rude) became unglued, when he was “shoood”…. out the door! Then when the ladies knitting bee arrived, thy stanch adeptness really thrived to the resounding notes of “the Battle hymn of the Republic”.
But Alas!…
Through all the exuberance and lusty cheers…
an icy animosity appears.”
A contentious point unveiled: quality of craftsmanship!
It was not to be assailed, until your statesmanship availed: “Be still my soul” and “Peace like a river” pealed from the depths of thy bosom.
Your patience and fortitude prevailed! … You calmed a storm! And then there appeared a challenge for you and an honour!
With your discerning eye, you saw the probability drawing nigh…!
A home wedding! And you Miribel the honoured guest! With eyes to see, thy ivory danced with glee.
Preparations left no stone unturned … no cobweb stood a chance.
Long awaited and still overwhelming the day arrived… you remember that day Miribel?
Blue sky, warm sunshine, flowers blooming in the lane. Everything in apple pie order! And then Miribel, you put on your best response… “Here comes the bride” went off with not a hitch.
You glowed in the limelight! And after the words… “I now pronounce you man and wife” Miribel, you actually saw and heard the covenant closing kiss. Which cleared the path to eternal bliss!
A number of decades later, the estate was divided. You were directly involved.
...
How poignant to leave the room that I shared with a spinning wheel! Call me sentimental, but that is how I feel. An essential and versatile tool in the work-a-day world it could never plumb the depths of music unfurled. I was transported in the direction of … Eden?
On the journey an opportunity presented itself while traveling near and parallel to a railroad. The yellow plastic covering provided for me had become unfastened and was violently flapping in the stiff breeze.
The totally bored engineer took a keen interest in this unusual and almost comical sight. As it continued unabated he began to imitate the up and down movements by widely flailing his arms up and down!
It was a great source of humour for all of us!
continued …
Narration by Poet
Well Maribel, it was a unique opportunity for you to entertain without music… quite accidentally discovered! So we are all multitalented something found by chance. (Sometimes called “happenstance”) It befalls those who are humble and selfless and have an open heart to give!
FREELY GIVE!
A very ancient poet penned these immortal words” Quote; “THERE IS A PATH” Unquote. I think he meant that generosity was a key factor in finding it; When I arrived at my destination I realized I was not far from a river. It was the same river that flowed comparatively near my original home only now, a bit closer and I was not totally unaware of the fact that I was also closer to that … OTHER river.
So please, don't taunt me with that cruel joke; “Old pianos never die, they just sound that way.” I’d like to inform you that I am well aware of the fact that my “BEST BEFORE” date has long passed!
End of Narration
You were welcomed with open arms we were well aware of your many charms. You responded with alacrity and with all your musical might. You lifted our spirits and inner delight.
There were notable moments of formidable insight with yuletide approaching and all its lights bright.
…
For nearly two decades we always looked forward to gathering around you after sumptuous Christmas dinner and sing the immortal favourites; “Oh Holy Night” and “Silent Night” Also the children’s favourites: Away in a manger and “Rudolf the Red nose Reindeer” Times we will cherish forever.
THE COUNTDOWN
It was a cold, grey morning in late spring when we stood motionless on a residential street and grimly watched the truck disappear around a corner to… and undisclosed section; (East of Eden?) It quickly gave rise to some keen introspection. What have we learned in this journey of grief, Which compared to life was surprisingly brief.
Coming into existence was not our call we had no choice in the decision at all. We relegate that to our sub-conscious mind, and leave the inference firmly behind. As it comes to our attention that we have entered a race with measured aplomb we set the pace and we acknowledge the inevitable face-to-face.
Uh Oh, that reference to “existence” was a tad irrespectful (if not outright irreverent.) You yourself Miribel were crafted with loving capable hands.
Included in the process were far-sighted plans. The plans included purpose for gifted hands to unlock the harmonious life-enhancing sounds sealed in the unique symbols systematically spread over a page of “sheet music.” And so Miribel you held a prestigious position all your life, planned with purpose. You sensed it and responded with dignity, poise and great distinction; and to think that it all occurred during the discovery of the ability to actually “see” sound and then sound that could actually “see” ULTRA SOUND!!
Be proud faithful Miribel that you embraced that generation with life-altering sound… music that had the ability to inspire, invigorate and heal. The greater part of your musical gifting was to blunt the tedium of work-a-day living.
How oft did the strains of “whispering hope” enable the weary to recover and cope: We pin-point the high-lights of thy remarkable life and extract those few moments of unfortunate strife. We conclude that a hand “invisible” was guiding you through and keeping you steady, optimistic and true.
The definition of “ultra” is “nothing beyond” when applied to music that rule could bend. Your music, Miribel could actually heal the soul! Tried and true, “ultra-sound”!
Yes, yes, music that will endure beyond time! Oh! Miribel, Miribel! Impervious Miribel! Your music shall never die! It will abide and resonate in our hearts FOREVERMORE!
“Miribel was granted a last minute “reprieve” and now graces the living-dining area of a refurbished late 19th century residence in the beautiful River Heights neighbourhood of Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada.
By Tony Doerksen
