my weans whisper hopeful sounds
playfully panting giggling
as the chanter croaks in response
and i love it
how could i not adore this
having longed for ages for the art
to breathe rhythmic wonder
into hollow wood
i have sat in awe time and again
while acquaintances of old
have performed for gatherings
of family, friends
nothing so formal as would call
one man a patron, another a star
but for me it was all so magical
a dream to trace
laya, asena, laura, mark, halil, tuǧcan
i have in silence admired you all
for so very long with sweet memories
of your own music
i would my children should grow
wise and bold and even foolish
taking chances others might refuse
to discover themselves
i would have them be happy
beyond all measure of joy
and always imbued with the generous
gift of love
but more than this and all, please
may my beautiful weans all thrive
with hands hearts voices expressing
the music they adore
George Ellington 