[slightly edited by Pop—with Dan’s permission. That’s what Pops do.]
I was drifting—unfocused and idle—
Then Rachmaninoff made me feel vital.
I could play it with verve,
So I got up the nerve
To perform in a small “pre-recital.”
Those nerves would not quell, they were fraying—
My clunkers and gaffes were dismaying.
I thought, “What the hell,
They don’t know the piece well.
They won’t notice how sloppy I’m playing.”
Some parts sounded great, I’ll take credit—
I feel plenty proud (there, I said it!).
The music was tough.
I played well enough.
Though I wish I could go back and edit.
Dan Kael (7/16/09)