Gracie

While my Mother was in the nursing home, I visited most days and took my uke along – more for me than for Mom. When she was busy with any of the necessary regular routines, I’d sit in the little rotunda or vestibule just inside the front doors and play and sing.

Early on, a sylph-like sprite, attracted by the unnatural sounds, stood transfixed, leaning against her scepter, smiling at me as if at Orpheus. She was a Muse, and a Grace besides.
Oh, she loved to sing; and so we did – each time I visited - and when the gods decreed a competition among their brethren and demanded participation, we fearlessly stepped forth.

Fear? The Muse was with me and I would sing with Grace. Thus armed, I knew I faced naught but fame and glory.

And so it was. My sprightly patron won the day! And I basked in her smile and the First-Place Blue Ribbon she received.

I’m sure my Mom would have been pleased.

- Uke Man