The Hunchback in the Willow

I discovered with the French doors open,

My biggest fan was a stealth Night Heron.

While Pounding the ivories on the piano,

His favorite was ‘’So long Marianne’’.

He bobbed his head to the rhythm.

The concert, his nightly wish…

His joy in life, was the music…

While other herons came to fish…

After I played Joni Mitchell’s Willy,

He flew into the dark night sky.

Refusing to leave before any song ended,

The empty willow, was his “Good Bye”.

The next night he was back again,

As if demanding an encore.

There was a mutual validation

In our hearing the notes once more.

For six years, he showed up each night,

Perched on the very same branch…

To attend another wine induced concert,

Starring me, at my Okieville ranch. 

I remember the night he went missing,
Months marked him absent from the song.
Two years later the ponds and piano,
Willows, house and myself were gone.