poem for Ken

I’ve taken the baritone ukulele out of the closet
and applied Earl’s pocketknife to tighten the pegs.

my dog has fleas

The music store was on Galena just west of the river. I’m thinking, “Leslie’s”.

I could be wrong.

Something wonderful is happening.

I will write it as best as I can as it occurs.
I’m going to return to the closet to see if I can’t produce the Mel Bay manual.
It’s here, how soon?

I kid you not!
Forty-five seconds at most.
I knew the book but not the name.

“Learn to Play the Alfred Way”

Sorry, Mel Bay.

Baritone Uke

Everything You Need to Know To Play the Baritone Uke.

Includes Strums and a Complete Chord Dictionary.

MORTON MANUS, 1961

It’s full of stars . . .

I’m compelled at this point to mention that it’s mostly been triggered by
Bette singing “Ukulele Lady”
as I was driving home.

I’m compelled to return to the living room for now.

Again, it works if you work.

Post to an open chord and it’s easy to play Amazing Grace.

You knew that. I didn’t.

I’m thinking of your friend Red.

Red

Is that right?

Ken

I played Amazing Grace on the uke with my own fingers.

The trombone is another thing entirely.
It’s made of metal.
The uke is made of wood.
I don’t mean to disregard the trombone.
It did all right by me.

After the war trombones may be in short supply.
It’s at least possible you could carve your own guitar.

I can’t carve a trombone.

I can sing.

I know a lot of very fine tunes.

Let’s keep in touch.

Bye for now.