Taking Flight

• February Album Writing Month SONG PROMPT 22 • Write a song for two human and/or instrumental voices.

Take off was delayed to let the storm pass 
Tornado watch ended, they could board at last. 
Waiting in the jetway, he turned to the woman behind him, made eye contact, 
"Going home or to visit?" 

She looked him over before she replied 
“Going home for now, 
How about you?” 
He sensed the hesitance and answered 
“Going to visit my sister 
Spend some time with her kids. 
Maybe take them to a ballgame 
Try some new restaurants. 
Be the fun uncle,” 
His mouth smiled. 
She smiled back, 
“Sounds like fun.” 

He got brave and continued to talk 
“Do you have any recommendations on where to eat 
Wondering about Mexican, introducing them to vietnamese.” 
The line shuffled forward, 
He turned back again. 
She told him names of two restaurants, 
One Mexican, the other Vietnamese. 
Thanks he said and turned as the line shuffled forward again 

She said to his back as she stayed close behind 
“Waiting to board is always the worst 
Wonder if there's will be an open bin for my bag.” 
He nodded his head like he agreed. 
They neared the door, he reflexively lowered his head. 
Once onboard he grabbed a seat, gave her a smile. 
Open boarding, if you want to sit here I'll give you the aisle. 

She looked him over and said "are you sure?" 
"No problem", he saie, "It's a short flight. 
He helped with her bag, moved over a seat 
She sat down thought about closing her eyes 
But something told her don't you dare try. 
They talked through the flight about big and little things 
Family, friends, trip on their wish list. 
A few gripes but they quickly moved on 
Both disappointed when the captain announced 
“Twenty minutes and beginning our descent.” 
She looked over and wondered 
Is he thinking what I am 
No ring, could ask for their number. 

“I guess you'll be glad to get home” 
“I guess you'll be glad to see your sister and kids” 
“Best flight conversation ever” 
“Yes.” 

He took her bag down, 
She wheeled it up the aisle, 
She turned as he walked by on his way to baggage claim 
“Let me give you my number if you feel the same.”

Shut the Front Door

 February Album Writing Month. The prompt was "Shut the front door."

Amber, the one who cares

Working on a new song. Lyrics are in pretty good shape but will probably get edited when I work on the music. 

She drives a gray Nissan sedan

Gets to work early, if asked she'll stay late.

Sits by his side watching tv

Listens as he softly snores in his sleep.

She gets a little worried when he complains

about a sharp pain in his chest.

Is it something he ate or is it his heart

He's the best one she's been with

Ah, Amber, the one who truly cares

She sighs, pushes back her auburn hair

Pats him on the shoulder, adjusts the sheet

Offers him water, reminds him to eat.

Tells him to stand up so his legs don't get weak,

He likes having her there,

Ah, Amber, the one who cares.

No one know much about her besides what she's said

She lives alone and once was married.

Travels a little, doesn't have pets or kids

Loves her job, says it's not all that she is.

He's thankful she's here

Enjoys her company

She seems happy

And so does he.

Ah, Amber, the one who truly cares

She sighs, pushes back her auburn hair

Pats him on the shoulder, adjusts the sheet

Offers him water, reminds him to eat.

Tells him to stand up so his legs don't get weak,

He likes having her there,

Ah, Amber, the one who cares.

Someone told her a story many years ago

About a chimpanzee and bear.

He listens and tries to follow

as she tells him what she remembers.

They look at each other when she's finished

Not sure exactly what it meant

But it sounded happy-sad

So they share a smile.

Ah, Amber, the one who truly cares

She sighs, pushes back her auburn hair

Pats him on the shoulder, adjusts the sheet

Offers him water, reminds him to eat.

Tells him to stand up so his legs don't get weak,

He likes having her there,

Ah, Amber, the one who cares.

I really miss...

 The writing prompt was "I really miss ___, I miss ___." This prompt could not be more timely for me.

I really miss being able to walk into the room

And seeing you look up when you saw me

Your whole face would smile.

You seemed so happy that I was there.

Now I don't know what will happen when I open the door

Will you notice me

Will you know who I am.

Will I be able to recover from

The encounter.

I really miss your quiet strength,

The stubbornness that you passed on to me.

Time and age have taken your energy,

but their is still strength and a lot of stubborn.

The progression has gotten faster,

Exponential.

You need help with everything

And I feel helpless as I watch

and listen to you groan and cough.

I didn't think I would ever say this

But I really miss hearing your snores,

From down the hall.

I never got used to the sound

And now I'm glad I didn't.

I miss hearing your loud sneezes that hurt my ears.

The sneezes that elicited a reproachful glance 

from whoever was in the room

and had heard them before.

I miss wondering why you couldn't figure out a way

To make them less explosive

and if they hurt your ears too

I miss hearing the back and forth banter 

between a couple who had been together

of sixty years.

And still disagreed on so much

That you could feel the tension in the room

Rise and then fall

When love truly did conquer all.

Mostly, I miss the person you used to be.

And even though I am sitting here 

By your side,

And know you will be us with

For a while.

I miss you already.

 © 2023 Sue Schnitzer