This afternoon, I practiced songs I knew
Enough to sing by rote for the first time,
And then this evening, pieces that were new
I read and sang, ambitious and sublime.

Each stage of learning has its devotees,
The first accessing networks that were formed
In practice, and the second, cortices
Newly connected, leaving one transformed.

Particularly pleasant is the vote
Of confidence from pieces you’ve prepared.
Sight-reading after singing songs by rote
Makes one far less afraid of having erred.

Delightful challenges in great supply,
Make five hours pass in the blink of an eye.