Learning a new instrument
I am too old
You can’t teach a new dog
And all that
But still
Right-handed me
Is spending minutes, turning to hours
Trying to make each finger
Of my left hand
Move individually
For that’s what it takes
To make a C chord
Or even an E minor
On the guitar
Or hit multiple keys
In dual rhythm
On the piano
Or maybe I am stretching my lung power
Trying out the flute
Or whatever new music-maker
Has caught my fancy
And I want to stop
Give my fingers a rest
Go settle in to that show
I was watching
Check Instagram
But I don’t
I keep pushing
And, yes – there – for a flash
That was the note
The sound
Of moving forward
Of truly being
Alive