Keys

You said all you knew
Of the piano,
Were the sad chords.
Of heartbreak, of
Disappointment.

I watched your reflection
In the smooth, shiny black
Of the music stand.
Your eyes stayed down,
staring at the keys.

If only everything was
black or white.
Right or left.
Half or whole.

You played without music,
Your ears led the way.
I stayed silent, wondering
If you could ever believe
Your talent was worth the pain.

Our eyes met, and held
But our walls stayed in place.
I could teach you the happy chords.
Or you could teach me the sad—
The best melodies are made from both.