The Subway Musician

On one of my Internet excursions I came across the blog of John Stevens, a Canadian poet. Here is a beautiful poem he wrote about a subway musician, inspired by a guy he used to see in the London Underground almost every day (printed with permission):

The Subway Musician/John Stevens

I hear the approach of the thundering hoards
I strap on my guitar and I play the same chords
I’ve played hundreds of times before
Instinctively I know what they like to hear
And I flash them my smile and as they draw near
A few drop some money
And then they are gone
I’m a subway musician, didn’t finish my song

I adjust all my strings and await the next throng
The footsteps draw closer, so I start the same song
I play the same chords as my endless encore
I’ve played for 8 hours and my fingers are sore
I regard every person as a personal friend
A coin hits the cup
They pass, I end
My drink’s at my feet, I’m thirsty, I bend

Am I chasing an impossible dream?
I live for the music and though it may seem
There are hundreds more like me
Just wanting their breaks
I have the talent, I have what it takes.

An echo snaps me back to the dimly lit hall
My voice rasps the lyrics; I give it my all
I smile and I nod as the masses arrive
I keep pounding the strings ‘cause I have to survive
They go on their way, but I keep playing the tune
My mind’s now on a stage
The crowd’s in a rage
And I play the last note and then take a bow

Am I chasing an impossible dream?
I live for the music and though it may seem
There are hundreds more like me
Just wanting their breaks
I have the talent, I have what it takes.

I pack up my gear and I go on my way
I will soon be discovered, tomorrow’s the day
For a subway musician who still has some hope
As I jingle the change that will help me to cope

The Subway Musician ©John Stevens