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
Sonnets
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
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.
Libby Weber 