The Banjo

Thumb,

Fore,

Middle finger

begin the transition.


No longer hesitant,

not yet confident;

they think not of the pluck, roll, or strum,

but of the transition from one to the other.


Not yet smoothly automatic

an errant twang

and buzz

now and then.


Limited as it is,

it is the first sound that can be called

music

struck by this hand in 50 years.


Countless hours before these three digits

can be considered novice banjo pickers, but,

they have taken the first inching steps down the pathway

of the long held desire;


and they feel good

about the possibilities

that lie

ahead.

　
　

© copyright 2012 Marty Vandermolen, All Rights Reserved