The Serenade

“Can you sing something for me?” Autumn asks.  

I’ve been practicing Yellow by Coldplay for a week. 

So then I took my turn
Oh, what a thing to have done
And it was all yellow

I set my capo to the 2nd fret but decide against it.  I don’t think my voice can reach that.  Not after sundubu.  And I want to impress.  

I met Autumn three months prior at a Christmas party.  I sat at a wooden digital piano, playing softly when she approached.   

“Can you sing too?”  Why, yes, I can!  

I sang my weak rendition of Dare You To Move and garbled the chords.  

“You’re so cool!”  

No one’s ever said that to me.  I can’t wait to tell my friends someone thinks I’m cool.

I remember that night as I prepare now — I strum the first chord.  I take a breath.  

So then I took my turn…

I notice Autumn is recording me.    

Later that night she sends me a message.  

Don’t play that song for anyone else.  

They’ll fall in love with you.  

Oh, Autumn.

What a thing to have done.