FanStory.com - Charlie Plays the Ukuleleby Noble Collins
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Charlie never gives up on a dream
Charlie Plays the Ukulele by Noble Collins
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Charlie plays the ukulele

in a small Manhattan bar

at a crowded intersection

near the pier,

where the people buy their tickets

for the Staten Island Ferry,

and linger for a drink or two,

or maybe just a beer.

He knows he makes them happy,

for they sometimes enter sadly,

but they always have a smile

when they depart.

Maybe they don’t always hear him,

but the nice ones standing near him

often leave a small gratuity

while pointing to their heart.

Now, this Friday evening,

as the early crowd is leaving,

a lovely lady enters

and sits down.

She orders a Campari

with a double shot of vodka -

her feather boa snaking

a Salvation Army gown.

Her lips of bright vermilion,

her nails of terra cotta,

her white-out skin

all capture Charlie’s eyes.

For years he’s saved his money;

played his ukulele funny

to amass a proper dowry,

and make claim to such a prize.

So, he plays a special medley

“In her honor,” he announces,

starting with Amazing Grace

and Silent Night,

and he throws in all his best ones,

Saving “Tiptoe Through the Tulips”

for the Grand Finale -

playing it just right.

But when he looks up from his music,

staring hard into the dimness,

all he sees is empty table,

empty chair.

When he asks, the waitress tells him

“she left with a real nice gentleman

paying compliments, her tab

and a Staten Island fare."

So, Charlie takes a break and ponders

“Will she come back to me?” he wonders.

I guess I must have played my medley

wrong.”

Well, the next time that I see her,

I’ll be the one to buy her beer

or Campari, or whatever,

or should I just add a song?”


Author Notes
A little whimsy, but I've met some Charlies

     

© Copyright 2024. Noble Collins All rights reserved.
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