he sat, head hooded, sunglasses on,

with the frame of someone you

might be careful walking past

on a darkened street at night.

 

but as he slouched over keys

at the piano by the supermarket,

he produced melodies both skillful

and tender and was fully invested

in the nuances required to infuse

the song with meaning.

 

and i marveled at the courage that

it took to express his soul through music

for all around to enjoy

especially in this place public.

 

and he gave a ‘thumbs up’ but

tucked his head with shyness

when asked to play another.

 

and as you should never judge

a book by its cover, you should never

make assumptions about a bulky

looking, hooded bloke.

 

–or anyone really for that matter–

 

their heart, it just might sing.

 

 

Heather Pound 2023

Photo by Elti Meshau on Unsplash