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Open Poetry #43
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Gaelynsgirl
Member
since 2008-07-18
Posts 175
Ont. Canada

0 posted 2008-08-05 12:15 PM


Dedicated to all teachers, and especially Kaile.
Cello Child


The cello child
sounds the heart strings
that timbre in warm dark notes,
A counterpoint to one shining day
written upon white parchment
precise and poignant.
The melody
Is bluer than forgotten forget-me-nots
Yet sweeter than pearls of mothers’ memories
Strung one by one, year by year,
To grace the neck of winter.
Veiled in translucence
by the curtain of time,
They await their cue to embrace the night;
To shed and share the light.
Of quavers scribbled upon  a staff
of some simple theme,
as from a dream, they draw what might
by some be called innocence.
It is the performance of a solitary child.
No, not loneliness
But a loneness;
the music of self-discovery,
the lost muse itself in recovery
Can it find in the child, the way home  
Reading the melody
In notes that map the path to symmetry
Of soul and self, those solitary notes
from the prelude
To acquiescence?
Has the child felt the stir of passion
Born by the song that is infinite
And ageless? And taking to the call
Echo all in clear-eyed vision,
In a harmony of joy and knowledge,
Protected from teachers who would mute
For the sake of convenience.
Who are we to dampen the notes
Of a symphony,
in its infancy.




© Copyright 2008 Lynda G. Smith - All Rights Reserved
Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
1 posted 2008-08-05 01:45 PM


This is a lovely, well crafted poem and a wonderful dedication to teachers. Lucky Kaile.
                              Ida

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
2 posted 2008-08-05 01:55 PM


Thank you Kin (being an ex-teacher).  This is beautiful, like Heng's teacher-soul.  I hope that I have set free (and/or planted) notes of music  - and poetry - and passion - and joy - and knowledge - and joy IN knowledge - and harmony - and light - in as many of my pupils' souls as I could.  

I read your multi-facetted poem three times, and each time I found nuances I had missed the previous time.  I think this is my favourite of all or your poems I have read so far, but I say that with trepidation, because, although you haven't posted terribly many yet, they are all so good, and whenever I say this to a poet, I'm damned if he/she doesn't go and post one I like even more right after I have said it!

- Owl

Gaelynsgirl
Member
since 2008-07-18
Posts 175
Ont. Canada
3 posted 2008-08-05 04:46 PM


I just came in out of a terrible storm to find these wonderful comments waiting. Thank you Ida and Kin.  I am quite sure that you did reach those charges Di! It is one of those curious things that is both a responsibility and the the ultimate joy of a teacher.

thank you so much... the both of you!
Lynda

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
4 posted 2008-08-05 07:47 PM


Nice...James
LindsayP
Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria
5 posted 2008-08-05 10:41 PM



That is a very thoughtful post my dear Lynda

and I think Owl was spot on in her remarks.

Very well wtitten. Love Lindsay.

Gaelynsgirl
Member
since 2008-07-18
Posts 175
Ont. Canada
6 posted 2008-08-05 11:07 PM


Hugs to both of you, James and Lindsay. Somewhere, someday I hope it helps a student and a teacher to discover what really matters. I can dream can't I!

with humble thanks...
Lynda

Alison
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!
7 posted 2008-08-06 12:05 PM


You know, I think I hear her music.  Beautiful poem - the images linger and I really hope that she finds the love of the cello remains a lifetime.

Beautiful.

A

Gaelynsgirl
Member
since 2008-07-18
Posts 175
Ont. Canada
8 posted 2008-08-06 12:33 PM


Thank you Alison,   That would be my hope too.
Sometimes just one person can have a profound impact on another life. Knowing when to listen, knowing when to stir curiosity, knowing that creativity needs to be nourished -- these I want to improve in my own life.
  -- this I want to share.  

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
9 posted 2008-08-06 04:58 PM


Kin, your responses are, as always, interesting, inspiring and heart-warming.  Thank you for what you said about me.  You are right, about the responsibility and the joy.

- Owl

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
10 posted 2008-08-09 04:12 PM


quote:
Has the child felt the stir of passion
Born by the song that is infinite
And ageless? And taking to the call
Echo all in clear-eyed vision,
In a harmony of joy and knowledge,
Protected from teachers who would mute
For the sake of convenience.
Who are we to dampen the notes
Of a symphony,
in its infancy.



Absolutely wonderful write, dear Lynda, you have true talent. You are a precious recent acquisition here on Pip!

Love,
Margherita

Gaelynsgirl
Member
since 2008-07-18
Posts 175
Ont. Canada
11 posted 2008-08-09 05:38 PM


Thank you for the kind words Margherita. I am enjoying both the energy and the passion of the poets who contribute here! We feed each other don't we!
vandana
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Patricius
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463
USA
12 posted 2008-08-09 06:01 PM


enjoyed
Gaelynsgirl
Member
since 2008-07-18
Posts 175
Ont. Canada
13 posted 2008-08-09 07:24 PM


Thank you Vandana! This global village of ours is truly amazing. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and I look forward to reading your works.
kaile
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Ascendant
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146
singapore
14 posted 2008-08-10 02:08 PM


as Di said, what a layered poem! the subtle yet significant difference between loneless and loneliness. the affirmation of an educator to nurture the symphony residing within the child.

well, i hope some of my kids feel the stir of passion sometimes. ~wry grin~    

Gaelynsgirl
Member
since 2008-07-18
Posts 175
Ont. Canada
15 posted 2008-08-10 03:00 PM


You are one of the teachers who care, Kaile. You do make a difference! I can clearly see the faces of my teachers who sparked my curiosity. They are the ones who remain steadfast in my memory.

Lynda

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