memories

she placed the violin under her chin then -

looked up before striking a pose, shoulders

elegantly leaning back but only a little - 

her long mid brown hair especially washed

the bow trembled, her blue eyes blinked, 

full lips set firm;  the ceiling bulb was a raw

spot light, the audience - a family of two

proud parents, dear gran and six siblings

was Thursday, the real dress rehearsal the

morrow.. she was wearing a long dress -

mother-made of emerald blue cotton,

edged with old (Devonian) Honiton lace

was quite shy twelve year old Hannah's first 

performance in public; once adult she played 

with an orchestra miles from us. At thirty two

she played a scherzo at the Pearly Gates

    

Reviews

[Marcelino Tagaca Jr.]

This poem beautifully captures a tender, almost cinematic moment in the life of young Hannah, a shy twelve-year-old about to perform for the first time. The imagery is vivid and intimate, from the trembling bow to the soft glow of the ceiling bulb serving as a humble spotlight. The language is gentle yet evocative, weaving a sense of pride, love, and quiet anticipation within a small family audience. The closing lines, reflecting on Hannah’s journey from child performer to her final “scherzo at the Pearly Gates,” give the piece a poignant sense of completion, life’s music played with grace from beginning to end. It’s a heartfelt tribute to talent, growth, and the enduring beauty of memory.

[RomaJ]

Emma, this is such a delicate and vivid piece. I love how you capture the small, precise gestures and details of Hannah’s first performance.. her posture, the dress, the bow trembling..and how they carry through to the profound image of her playing at the Pearly Gates.

It’s a beautiful meditation on memory, growth, and the lasting resonance of early experiences.

[Degare]

Your sister sounds brilliant...
Hope you are ok, Emma.
These memories live forever, even after we are gone.

[emmajoygreen]

Thank you for reading, Degare.

[Gee]

At 32...so, so sad when loved ones, family, friends are taken well before their time, but I needn't tell you that.
A beautifully sad piece.
Hope you are well m'dear

[emmajoygreen]

Many thanks for such a kind review, Gee, and please, please forgive this belated thank you.

[Poetic Beauty]

The remembrance of a beautiful, talented person who has left the world too soon. I call those kind of people beautiful souls that bring light into the world.

The details and the telling of this amazing woman are done with care and it is not so much mournful as a reflection and celebration of that person.

[emmajoygreen]

Sincere apologies for this - my belated apology. Hope all's well in your world.. :)

[Kate AKS]

Your poem is music that is heard as a whisper and a painting with the bright colors.

[emmajoygreen]

Oh my.. your review is a beautiful poem! Many thank you, Kate , so kind of you. :)

[Thomas W Case]

Powerful work. Surprise ending. I can hear the music.

[emmajoygreen]

That was of and for our sister, Hannah. Her first violin was almost too big for her! Many thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Wow this is beautiful and the ending or indeed her new beginning was unexpected on the last line
Beautiful loved it

[emmajoygreen]

Julie, I'm finding friends I must have hurt today, by seemingly ignoring their kind reviews. yours was overlooked and can only apologise wholeheartedly and very sincerely. .

[Neville]

to suggest that this was anything less than beautiful, yet also devastatingly moving and likewise a deserving tribute to a much loved and far too prematurely taken sibling, would be a grave understatement and an injustice not only to Hannah herself but indeed to poetry.

[emmajoygreen]

Gasped when I read that, Neville.. Thank you - more than..

[Cherrie]

This is tender and revealing. With great care and love you end this poem.

[emmajoygreen]

Many thanks for your understanding, Cherie. Was written with all I could give

[Cherrie]

…all you could give… is the theme your pen lives by 🙂