Second Fiddle Poem by Curtis Johnson

Second Fiddle
By Curtis Johnson

I once knew a teacher who occasionally used the word ‘fiddle’.
If perhaps he deemed something untrue or irrelevant; Or if annoyed by students or otherwise disagreeable; he would simply say, “fiddle sticks”.

In the instrumental world of music, a fiddle is a violin.
Have you read that Emperor Nero fiddled while Rome burned?
And I once heard about a musical called, “Fiddler On The Roof”.
But this is not the kind of fiddle that presently occupies my brain

In nautical usage, a fiddle is a frame or railing on a ship’s
table to keep dishes from falling off in rough weather.
‘Fiddle’ of the high seas is not what I’m thinking about

There’s such broad usage of a most simple word. Very interesting.
Why this most interesting word also addresses, ‘waste of time’.
It also refers to being in excellent health, ‘fit as a fiddle’.

O forbid that I should fiddle and ‘let things burn’
May I always be productive, never given to ‘wasting time’.
O to be energetic, useful, caring, and ‘fit as a fiddle’.

Lastly, the word ‘fiddle’ expresses one acting in a subordinate position, such as, ‘play second fiddle’. Finally! This is the ‘fiddle’ that I am talking about.
If you have always been on top and driven to be number one or else, then perhaps the two spot is not for you. If you said “no” to an offer to be Vice President, or if you would never show up for the 6th man award, then I doubt that second fiddle is a good fit for you. Nevertheless, at some point we all must ask the
Gatorade question, “Is it in you? ” It took me a while.

Would you believe me or think less of me if I told you this? I have no argument with ‘second fiddle’, or playing minor parts.
Being a ‘back up’ doesn’t bother me, and I’m okay if I don’t start
Surely someone has to be second, and blessed with ‘a state of readiness’

A thought entered my mind today on February 12,2014, which is causing
me to look back over a period of 50 years. Although I had noticed
prior that my life had fitted into certain patterns, it was never as clear as on this February day. It’s as clear as day. I don’t know if I have ever won first place in anything. Should I be concerned about not finishing first? Am I in some way psychologically challenged because I’m not disturbed about second place? Anyway, it doesn’t bother me a bit.

Also interesting is that it does appear that I have lived until now in various
capacities, positions, and roles; most of which served in roles of ‘second fiddle’.
Surely we should strive to be the best at whatever it is that we do;
But there is absolutely nothing wrong with being the best “You”.


There no need to pretend, when I know that I’m not the best shot
Must I thrive to please others by being something I am not?
Or should I struggle unceasingly to discover me by casting lots?

I admit that it was a wide eye opener when I first observed this trend.
And I must say that I started out in life with a broader dream, a different plan, and more than enough ambition for one man. However, I must also say that I am really OK with being “A Second Fiddle Kind of Guy”.

And finally, This much I can also say:
I have learned not to fight the fiddle that best fits me. Anyway, who can argue with history?

cj02122014