A story my mother-in-law told me
Virile, vital,
smart and spiffy,
posing in uniform
trumpet in hand
his gaze proclaims
he loves band life,
comrades, applause,
the thrill of the road.
Dust rag in hand
she picks up his photo,
the kids run in:
When’s dinner, Mom?
Alone with five children…
her vagabond husband
comes back long enough
to give her a sixth.
she counsels the youngest:
Mai, mai maritar un musicante…
Never wed a musician!
