Nocturnal in Be
Nocturnal in Be
Knock-knocked/tick-tocked
self-mocked/self-socked–
Who’s there?
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Here’s a little query in the night for Kerry O’Connor’s prompt for With Real Toads to write a nocturne. I think the prompt was aiming for something more lyrically musical, inspired maybe by Chopin, probably my favorite composer. I could not come up with something more lyrical! But I was reminded by Kerry’s prompt of a story told by Artur Rubinstein, a great Chopin pianist, of how once as a young man, when hounded by creditors and disappointment, he tried to hang himself from a hotel bathroom shower (either rod or shower head) by his bathrobe belt. Even though I suspect that both showers and bathrobes were far more sturdy back then (I believe this was in 1908), the whole apparatus collapsed, leaving Rubinstein (i) alive), (ii) ruefully amused that he was even a failure at suicide; and (iii) with a renewed and seemingly vibrant commitment to life. (This is a memory of the story heard during my childhood when Rubinstein used to actually be on talkshows! I think I have the details right, but I’m sorry if they are a little fuzzy.)
Finally, my story has nothing to do with this story. But I couldn’t help thinking of it because of my attachment to Rubinstein’s performance’s of Chopin’s nocturnes. I urge you to listen to one.
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ManicDDaily 
June 6, 2013 at 10:01 am
Beautiful (poetic) nocturne. I, too, love Chopin, but my real surprise was John Field, the composer to whom the creation of the first nocturnes is attributed. Look him up if you’ve never heard of him and be amazed by his music.
Greetings from London.
June 6, 2013 at 10:18 am
I will – thanks so much. k.
June 6, 2013 at 10:38 am
ha. sometimes i wonder who it is that knocks around in my head…smiles…that is a really cool story…hey fate conspired to make some music eh? smiles.
June 6, 2013 at 11:32 am
with a renewed and seemingly vibrant commitment to life…. Sounds like he had quite a sense of humor!
the poem rolls of the tongue in a fun way! Reminds me of a jump rope or hand clapping game.
June 6, 2013 at 2:49 pm
There’s actually quite a fat correspondence in this small envelope, between human and universe, or night with its blind star-eyes, if you will. The anecdote about Rubenstein has all the pathos of serious youth and is quite charming, despite the subject. What an artist with the keys–a beautiful performance you linked.
June 6, 2013 at 4:20 pm
Thanks- it’s actually a terribly gloomy poem. I am interested that many find it light, but I think the rhymes make it seem that way. k.
June 6, 2013 at 3:50 pm
Fun sound play, Kay! 😉
June 6, 2013 at 4:39 pm
Crud. I mean Karen. Sorry about that.
June 6, 2013 at 4:42 pm
Hannah- I was responding to Hedge! I wasn’t meaning to criticize any reader! It is always interesting to see how something plays! I am noting it to myself if to anyone! Oh dear – I really hope you don’t feel anything else. I appreciate all comments so much, and if someone goes somewhere different with something, it is important information. k.
June 6, 2013 at 5:31 pm
Oh, I don’t know what you’re talking about! Ha…no worries! 🙂
June 6, 2013 at 5:39 pm
I don’t either. I am extremely tired right at this moment! A very busy time for me. k.
June 6, 2013 at 4:58 pm
Hannah, I realize that you thought I was Kay Davies! Ha! I often sign K. No wonder! k.
June 6, 2013 at 5:30 pm
Yeah, it’s that mental “k” that’s planted because that’s how you often sign and the comment rhymed better with it that way! 😉
June 6, 2013 at 6:31 pm
There is always something knocking in my head or I am pounding it with my pen…lol Great interpretation of the challenge!
June 6, 2013 at 9:57 pm
BEAUTIFUL sentimental story~ Chopin’s nocturnes feel like the somberness has drowned out every vestige of life as we understand it but brings alive a life that’s language cannot be spoken but discerned. Blessings friend ~ have been sick, missed your posts.
June 6, 2013 at 9:59 pm
Dear Deborah – so so sorry that you’ve been sick. I’ve been wondering about you and should have checked up – I’ve no good excuse – just a kind of frantic busyness at work, which is trivial compared to sickness. I hope you are feeling better now. k.
June 6, 2013 at 11:57 pm
Thank you K… no biggie , but your kindness is appreciated sincerely ~ Debbie
June 7, 2013 at 1:28 am
Ah! quite a take, knocking at the darkness to find who?? and well, you did! 🙂
June 7, 2013 at 5:53 am
Well knocked together!
June 7, 2013 at 7:14 am
Your back story of Rubinstein is fascinating – thank you for sharing that.
Night hours can be the worst when it comes to self-scrutiny and doubt. That’s what I got from this cryptic nocturne.
June 7, 2013 at 7:19 am
Yes, thanks. I wanted to be short but perhaps went too short! Thanks, Kerry.