For years we two have traded birthday verse Since rhyme and scansion are two skills we share, And while our challenges may seem perverse, I like to think we pull them off with flair. In Limerick, haiku, and even sonnet, Such subjects as the swift passage of time Will be thrown down, we each will … Continue reading May 10: For CAH
Month: May 2014
May 9: Sea Shark Major
You might think that the several rows of teeth And lack of fingers might prevent a shark From being musical, but underneath The water, you will find you're off the mark. Chondrichthyans, you see, can really swing, And all the ectothermic dig cool jazz; While megamouths' ambtion is to sing, The swell shark's bongos add … Continue reading May 9: Sea Shark Major
May 8: Fishing
Franz Schubert wrote a lovely little lied About a fish who frolicked, scales agleam Until an angler's gimmick did succeed, In hooking it by muddying the stream. Sometimes, I'm like that playful little fish Anticipating anglers' every whim, But other times, perspective's what I wish, To keep the world from seeming quite so grim. So … Continue reading May 8: Fishing
May 7: Woodshedding
When I first heard the phrase “to woodshed,” in The context of rehearsal, I inferred That it meant chipping at a score, therein Discovering the sounds that should be heard, Such as an ancient master might have done To find the form inside a marble block, And though painstaking work is rarely fun, To get … Continue reading May 7: Woodshedding
May 6: No Rest
The Beltane fires have burned, the veil has thinned-- Unconsciously we sense the other side, And vernal frenzy throws good sense to wind, As if by work, mortality's denied. Inspired by trees' and shrubs' floral display, We start ambitious habits once again And set ourselves new goals, as if to say, “I should do this, … Continue reading May 6: No Rest
May 5: Insubstantial Pageant
Imagination: blessing and a curse-- For though it means that you are never bored, It means your productivity gets worse If work's less interesting than thoughts explored. To sink within the boundaries of dream When seemingly alert and wide awake, Can make your breathing quicken and eyes gleam, Feigning attention, when you truly ache For … Continue reading May 5: Insubstantial Pageant
May 4: Apogee
In stories, climaxes are always clear- That moment you've been craving since the hook, When structure and emotion will cohere, And justify three-quarters of the book. So when in life one finishes a task, The ultimate of any frenzied week, The structurally aware cannot but ask If denouement is coming, may I peek? What sweet … Continue reading May 4: Apogee
May 3: Pulse for Pulse, Breath for Breath
Rehearsal started punctually at nine- The sanctuary filled morning light, And with the sunbeams voices did entwine In synergistic, transcendental rite. And then, my shining raiment did I don To trip the light fantastic with my troupe, And after that, I followed a baton Concurrent with that large and glorious group. By day surrounded by … Continue reading May 3: Pulse for Pulse, Breath for Breath
May 2: On Singing a New Composition
As one who meditates must clear her mind Of vagrant thoughts, so must musicians, too, Because to notice all we are designed, And our experiences we accrue. But like a person climbing up the stairs Who pauses to admire his innate grace, Distractions all too easily ensnare, And the distracted ends up on his face. … Continue reading May 2: On Singing a New Composition
May 1: Santa Anas
O blow, you desiccating desert wind! Wrench limb from trunk and dash it to the ground! Snap saplings! Sandblast eyes! Crack tender skin! With writhing branches doors and windows pound! Your cruelty is indiscriminate, No ocean breeze can cool that righteous ire No more than night can force you to abate Or mercy stay your … Continue reading May 1: Santa Anas
Libby Weber 