I PLAY GUITAR

[The City Manager]

I Play Guitar - by me

Day and night in darkened room,
alone I'd practice low volume,
the space so hot, the door left just ajar.

With fingers stiff and wrists gone sore,
the cords and rifts that I'd explore,
I hoped some day to be a big rock star.

Friends would ask about my day,"
"Not seen you much around this way."
I'd drop my head and look way off afar.

The answer came from deep within,
unshaved stubble upon my chin,
I then confessed the truth, "I play guitar."


Practiced more and kept in tune,
for I knew that one day soon,
work would be what took me wide and far.

Eventually, those practice nights
evolved into audition rights,
a local band, the back seat travel car.

What at first I thought was great,
turned into gigs now long and late,
in smoky rooms, another cross-town bar.

Played my best and kept a smile,
somehow it seemed to be worthwhile.
Few others say with pride, "I play guitar."


Then, one night, as girls would dance,
there was in place by happen chance
a man approached, in hand a big cigar.

"A manager," is what he said,
I needed soon, or I'd be dead,
of drunkenness or drugs, it would be par.

A paper that he then produced,
I was to sign, then be seduced,
a contract, and the keys, a brand new car.

Now day and night on a darkened stage,
a spotlight looms, the band does rage,
success, a prisoner, Now I play guitar.