The Songbird
I heard a singer and was moved,
Which proves not much.
We’re touched by mediocrity,
The second-rate,
The bait of glamour.
Hers was honesty,
Simplicity dug deep in skill.
Talent and ability.
Oh, so good, voice many-hued.
Interpretation, even the
Pronunciation, woven in
The loveliness.
A jazz parfait: a marmalade,
Jade luminesence
Honesty, simplicity,
Substance in each nicety;
Who wouldn’t want to sing so well,
That those who heard would feel compelled
To tell the world what you exude
Though under-known and undervalued?
(such a gift might give me hubris where, too satisfied,
I’d have to watch for sins of pride.)
For now, there’s happiness-near-bliss,
Aesthetic saturation
Having heard this songbird sing.*
©
The Songbird 97.10.4Special People, Special Occasions; Vaguely About Music;
Arlene Corwin
* Sue Raney
Arlene Corwin Poetry 