Poetry Magazines - The best collection of poetry magazines online - Simon Armitage

Poetry Library Southbank Centre - The Poetry Library housing the Arts Council Collection at Southbank Centre

« Previous item
Contents of this issue
Next item »

Pat Ransford

print this page

Desert Air

I want to be the one who’s chosen to play
the solo, to stand out in the spotlight - the orchestra
silent, the audience intent, faces uplifted
as the notes swarm out. And then step forward,
smiling, accept the applause, the bouquet of extravagant
flowers. And, at the conductors signal, lead
the rest from the stage.

But every player knows that chance is
I’ll be glad of a spot as the third violin
in a provincial orchestra. Or, as an amateur,
to tour with the local band; going occasionally
to Holland or France. And as the years go on
I’ll teach, hoping, if I’m lucky, to find at least
one promising pupil.

And when the day is done I’ll put away
the music and the stand. But, once in a while
I’ll linger, not going at once to make supper
or do some chores. I’ll look out of the window
at the sunset, pick up my violin, lift it
to my shoulder and play, carefully, savouring
the tune and the occasion.

 

Pat Ransford works as a civil servant and lives in Greenwich.

Page(s) 64

Back to top