They say
the more you play an instrument
the better it stays in tune.
Well-exercised
readily producing
a soft
melodic
sound.
Familiarity.
But no matter how much you play
sometimes
the notes
fall
flat.
They lose their humor
The familiar sounds are gone
replaced with sounds that are
somewhat
off.
At first, it might be imperceptible.
It all depends on how much you
pay
attention
How sensitive your ear is to notes
off
key.
It’s little things at first.
A melody you’ve played a thousand times before is
slightly
off.
When you play in an orchestra, your accompaniment is, strained.
Something
doesn’t
fit.
No longer primed and new
but worn,
maybe tired.
A string might snap,
catching you in the backlash.
Maybe it leaves a mark.
You’ll heal.
You’ll buy new strings.
The strings might’ve been old
but the body is still good,
still strong.
Some things
like broken strings
are so easily fixed.
But some damage is, harder.
After many years
many repairs
you may come to a crossroads.
Is this thing worth fixing?
Is this thing worth the fight?
Or do you just…
let…
go…
Caia Rose 