The Tune

   William Francis Altonberry, who was musically inclined,
His eyes upon the classified intent within to find
   A piano he might buy, from a little money found,
To place then in his music room, where he could play the sound
   Of a single music passage which lived within his head,
And to have the keys ring out the sound, which lived within, instead.

   The ad read: FREE PIANO, if you've the mind to play,
Just call Virginia Ellen Fairchild in the middle of the day.
   Mr. Altonberry thought, Good fortune's on the line,
Could be I'll have myself an instrument and never spend a dime!
   "Hello! Is this the party with piano in the ad?
Well … this is William Altonberry, who wants the item bad,
   For you see I have this little tune which has a hold on me,
But … I'm certain your piano could release me … if it's free."

   It was then the recent widow, instrumental in the ad,
Said, "I see, sir, why you want it and feel you need it bad.
   And if you are a captive of a tune within your mind,
I can visualize my Steinway singing out in time.
    I'll bet it is a catchy tune … might you hum it on the phone,
While I will finger proper chords to harmonize your tone?"
   "Delighted!" Mr. Altonberry said, "With certainty, my dear!"
He then hummed the song held captive through the phone into her ear.

   She listened to the melody,
He listened to her play,
   And each was taken by the sound
Which magnetized that day!

   The music flow concluded, now the widow's manner terse,
Asked, "Might I take the tune I've heard and affix poetic verse?"
   Mr. Altonberry's exclamation, "It seems a great idea!
But … I'll call the Bayside Movers and we'll do it over here."
 
   Well … the conclusion of this melody, I'm leaving up to you,
With the knowledge he was all alone, and she was lonely, too.
   Remember … she could play piano, and he could hum a tune,
And days are so romantic in the summertime in June….

Reviews:

     "Carpenter's lyrical verses are light, engaging, and musical. The reader will experience the range of emotions from smiles to tears as these magical story-poems play out their themes in the theatre of the mind. Highly recommended!"       
--Midwest Book Review

     "Poetry in motion.  A rhyming chronicle of a year-long romance with a romantic and redemptive story line."         --The Wellesley Townsman

    "A one year magical experience with the Altonberrys.  The book is an easy read; one that can be picked up at any page and enjoyed again and again."       --The News Herald

    "A romance with language.  A delightful book."       --Daily Evening Item News

     "A charming read and a lovely trip down memory lane, filled with mirth and joy!"
--Pat Vang, AARP