The Talent Show

The Talent Show

 

The day had arrived
and I was a ball of nerves.

As I was to participate in the school’s talent show
for better or for worse.

 

My friend, Dana, who had been friends with my parents,
loved to sing and would often have me sing along.

We would sing together for fun,
and one day she taught to me a special song.

The Crippled Boy’s Prayer
was introduced to me at eight years old.

I sat mesmerized
as she sung it to me by way of the piano.

 

My eyes widened with the words,

Will I be a crippled boy up there?

I pondered the thought,

Will my wings refuse to sail through the air?

 

From then on, we would sing it together,
she’d sing her part
while I would sing the words of the boy,
feeling it deep in my heart.

 

So, when the third-grade talent show was talked about,
Dana said if I entered, she’d sing with me.

I wasn’t sure at first, but upon hearing some didn’t want me to…
well, it made me want to succeed.

 

Believe it or not, our audition was approved
and a few days later, it was time.

Before I knew, we were going onstage,
Dana with her guitar… as the anxiety climbed.

 

All eyes were on me as Dana began to sing.

When my part came, Dana repeated every word I said,
so the audience could understand my words--
the words meaning more in my heart than my head.

 

Nearing the end, we sung the chorus as one,
a smile upon my face when singing I know my wings will sail through the air.

Feeling the emotions, I sung the best I could…

and I won’t be a crippled girl up there.

 

The audience rose in applause,
and I smiled, basking in a standing ovation.

Several minutes later, I was awarded “Special First Place”,
receiving hugs in celebration.

 

Melinda McQueen Rodgers

October 18, 2021

 

 

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful story in the poetry dear Melinda. We must try to succeed. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Melinda McQueen]

Thank you for reading my poem. God bless.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Melinda.

[Einstein Noodle]

brave heart and soul McQueen! strong personal story and you made the stage in the third grade!! I grew up in the Catholic School system and the only thing I remember about third grade is that I had a big crush on Sister Mary Theorella ... she was the kindest soul around. ;) I can feel the confidence and strength you must still feel from having accomplished such a thing at such a young age. Well done! thanks so much for sharing .. the title drew me in.
E.

[Melinda McQueen]

Aww that's such a cute story. you should write a poem about it! hehehe