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
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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
April 30: Daily Farewell
O giant dachshund, white blaze on your chest, Surveying my departure through the glass Grown hazy from the many times you've pressed Your nose against the permanent impasse, Why does my leaving stir such staunch devotion? Did loyalty and love together spark Protectiveness? Or did a sudden motion Betray a cat or bird at which … Continue reading April 30: Daily Farewell
April 29: Humble Pi
Three point one four five nine two six five three... Point blank for many culinary puns, Won great attention in antiquity For making great domes able to be done. One finds the number inescapable. Fie on those who would utter “Nein!” in the face of the inevitable, To overlook the gold that's in the gutter. … Continue reading April 29: Humble Pi
April 28: Yay.
Fatigue makes obvious the energy Expended in each step of every task, So even small achievements can bring glee: In trivial accomplishment I bask. I won the Prize for Getting Out of Bed When Dogs Insisted On a Morning Walk, A Badge of Merit for a Note Misread, Whose Meaning Was Deduced With Little Talk, … Continue reading April 28: Yay.
April 27: Invincibility
Mae West quipped, “Too much of a good thing can Be wonderful,” and I affirm tonight Diverged significantly from my plan, But nonetheless would seem to prove her right. The many hours I've drilled each vocal score, My eyes on the conductor's steady beat, Might once have made my tender larynx sore, But no, this … Continue reading April 27: Invincibility
April 26: Knowing
When we sing chorally, it is a gift, To all the world, but also you and me, That's all but guaranteed to give a lift In spirit to those joined in harmony. While music to musician will adhere Inseparable as milk and flour in batter, Between musicians, there can grow the fear Of being judged … Continue reading April 26: Knowing
April 25: Tres Bien Ensemble
There is a dearth of concert halls whose sound Is intimate and gives exoneration For imperfections that are always found In live performance; blend or intonation. So when a first rehearsal brings a smile To both composer's and conductor's faces, Not only is the exercise worthwhile, You have been dealt a hand with all four … Continue reading April 25: Tres Bien Ensemble
April 24: Good Decisions
Bleary and sore, I haul myself from bed, My body moving automatically Receiving little guidance from my head, Ablutions thus performed erratically-- My contact lenses weary eyes refuse, So spectacles elucidate the sight Of undereyes as purple as a bruise; A confirmation of a restless night. As wakefulness begins its penetration Of murky memory, I … Continue reading April 24: Good Decisions
April 23: At Will
Today, I took a dear friend out to eat To celebrate his birthday, and we drank To health and love and spouses. Thus replete With good opinions, in our chairs we sank, Each falling into quiet contemplation. I marveled how four hundred fifty years Had compounded his worldwide reputation, Yet here we were, enjoying quips … Continue reading April 23: At Will
Libby Weber 