The Musician Poem by Jade Leven

You are the guitarist
who sits on the sidewalk
and gives your heart to strangers
sharing with them your story
of hunger and suffering
through your musical gift

but they give you nothing
for you are just a stranger
and obviously you are poor and dirty
there on the street

you are the violinist
who stands by the fountain
and plays a song for the lonely
telling them you know their pain
that you were hurt, too
probably more than them

but they give you nothing
for you are just a stranger
and you don't even speak English
and your clothes are torn

you are the pianist
who sits in an apartment
that will be soon taken away
your graceful fingers
carry notes out the window
to children listening below

but they give you nothing
for you are just a stranger
and their parents told them to avoid you
and you're probably out of your mind

you are the singer
who hums quietly
careful that you are not heard
for fear that you are not worthy
of a crowded city theater
listening to your gift

you ask for nothing
you just strum your guitar thoughtfully
bow slowly on the strings of your violin
press down the piano keys gently
and hum to yourself

to some you are silent
they don't know you exist
but as you make music so softly
you add your story to the world
sadness and pain
you are the musician.