The Third

The three stuck together

For a photograph on the birth day

Red dresses, identical

Left hand plays the chord

Three notes, harmony

Lower note sets the foundation

Deep and resonant

Middle note is the direction

The center, the leader

At the top is the brightness

Dancing from the heart of the others

The three provide the first chord

As the right hand, the family, begins its melody

Separate yet held together

These two hands form a family of song

Counterpoint and chorus

As the chords move from major to minor

Rhythm fuels the dance of time

Energy shapes the song of life

Resonant and ever forming

Changing

The third is born

Family embrace

The chord is complete

As the parents begin the melody

As the children dance along

Right hand plays the chord now

Left improvises and becomes almost independent

Finding a chorus of song

Yet always together the family will fill their home with music

The piano, the fire, a faded photograph.