The Violinist | Teen Ink

The Violinist

August 3, 2011
By Blue4indigo PLATINUM, Sturbridge, Connecticut
Blue4indigo PLATINUM, Sturbridge, Connecticut
24 articles 0 photos 382 comments

Favorite Quote:
I'd rather be sorry for something that I did than for something I didn't do.
-Red Scott


A wizened man, an old, old man
His gait is slow, yet walks as best he can
The train turns, the floor unstable,
Yet he stands, as if to tell a fable
He lifts a violin, an áged instrument like he,
He lifts his chin, as if to let us see,
His unshaved face, his parchment skin, and wrinkled clothes,
Then with a start begins to play,
Telling with his melodies more than words can say
The tone is light, yet missing a slight harmony,
For there is no mindless joy in his melody
His two songs suit him, like his violin,
Both pleasant to the ear, but out, no longer in
He stops, he played too long, but not enough,
And reaches for something with his right hand rough
A cup, which he holds out and walks the train car ‘round
How could this be, to myself I sob,
Did someone, him of his small fortune rob?
This is not right, I think, and do the least I can
I follow him, and drop some coins into the cup for the man
He looks at me, and whispers, “merci”
No family who his destitution see?
He shuffles back, more ringing of the coins
It seems to me a slightly cheering noise,
For maybe he will have a hearty meal,
Or another check for his rent seal
Still, this is not right, I know
As the train stops and he moves to go
He should be reading in a rocking chair, or sleeping
Surrounded by his offspring, and never seeking,
Spare change, and giving, his soul to those who hardly care
Did he live his youth and pay his fare,
To in old age, deprived of stability and rest
Be forced to live on love and mercy, so rare, thus, and, the best


The author's comments:
This is a true story. An old man got onto the train I was on and played his violin, asking for money. This left a lasting impression on me, as considering his old age, he should certainly not be begging on the streets. The world can be so unjust. I hope that he and others going through undeserved hardships will see a change in fortune.

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This article has 29 comments.


on Aug. 13 2011 at 12:13 pm
Blue4indigo PLATINUM, Sturbridge, Connecticut
24 articles 0 photos 382 comments

Favorite Quote:
I'd rather be sorry for something that I did than for something I didn't do.
-Red Scott

Thank you.

on Aug. 13 2011 at 11:54 am
Lola_Black GOLD, Harrison, Michigan
11 articles 2 photos 276 comments

Favorite Quote:
"I've always been famous. It's just everybody's just now finding out." --Lady Gaga

This is so sad, but a good poem. I want to cry! It's a shame this stuff actually happens.

on Aug. 13 2011 at 11:43 am
Tongue_Blep PLATINUM, ????, Ohio
40 articles 1 photo 769 comments
ur welcome! ur work deserves to be noticed! :)(:

on Aug. 12 2011 at 2:16 pm
Blue4indigo PLATINUM, Sturbridge, Connecticut
24 articles 0 photos 382 comments

Favorite Quote:
I'd rather be sorry for something that I did than for something I didn't do.
-Red Scott

Thank you, and you would not belie e how many homeless and destitute people there are in Paris. There are so many talented musicians, and they hardly have anything to live on. It must be that much more difficult for thosewho are old. Poor violinist...

on Aug. 12 2011 at 1:20 pm
Regs_the_Shorty GOLD, Frankfort, Illinois
13 articles 0 photos 129 comments

Favorite Quote:
There are people who finish what they start and.....

Its really good and I do agree that it saddens me when I see an olden soul out on the streets

on Aug. 11 2011 at 8:58 pm
Blue4indigo PLATINUM, Sturbridge, Connecticut
24 articles 0 photos 382 comments

Favorite Quote:
I'd rather be sorry for something that I did than for something I didn't do.
-Red Scott

thank you so much! :D

on Aug. 11 2011 at 5:54 pm
Tongue_Blep PLATINUM, ????, Ohio
40 articles 1 photo 769 comments
this was beautiful. It gives me inspirtation! Great job and I will check out more of ur work! :)(:

on Aug. 8 2011 at 7:28 pm
Blue4indigo PLATINUM, Sturbridge, Connecticut
24 articles 0 photos 382 comments

Favorite Quote:
I'd rather be sorry for something that I did than for something I didn't do.
-Red Scott

Thank you, your positive feedback means a lot to me.

on Aug. 7 2011 at 4:53 pm
TeamJacobArchuleta ELITE, Chicago, Illinois
183 articles 7 photos 484 comments

Favorite Quote:
He's the one I call in the middle of the night. He's the one who makes everything alright. He loves me with no regret...I just haven't found him yet.

wow i really love your poetry because every poem has a purpose and they all really get the reader thinking...your wording is great too, i really like this one(: