Orphans

Written after viewing the “Acoustic America” exhibit at the Musical Instruments Museum.

Supine in their cases;
Propped upright on stands; 
Suspended in the air like wraiths; 
Or in the outstretched hands 

Of fragile racks, the fiddles, 
Banjos, mandolins, 
Guitars with nicknames, basses, little 
Ukuleles limned 

In legend long for players 
To cradle them and sing,
And teach them how to say their prayers, 
And brush their knotted strings.