heartfelt eulogy

VARIATION ON A THEME BY NIEL DEPONTE

Last night I went to the opera
and read rave reviews
of the tenors and sopranos,
but not a word about
the double basses or alto clarinet
singing with equal passion and prowess
buried in the pit.

Last week I watched a prima ballerina
dance a beautiful Odile/Odette
to accolades and armfuls
of roses tied with bows,
but no roses or kudos
for the bows and batons
dancing just as gracefully below.

Last month I danced at a gala celebration
and toasted the grand accomplishments
of doctors and builders and funders of note.
But no one stopped to praise
the subtle syncopated notes
of the noted violinist and the accomplished saxophonist
playing with perfection for our pleasure.

Last summer I cried at my friend’s daughter’s wedding.
I was moved,
not by the tender phrases of bride and groom, but
by the tender phrasing and sweet intonation
of the string quartet
speaking from their hearts
in the back of the room.

This afternoon I listened to a gifted teen musician
play a Gershwin concerto
with clarity and depth and style.
No mention was made of the teachers
who coddled and coaxed and coached this artist
to such confident mastery.
Perhaps someday she will play Gershwin
like I heard it tonight at the symphony
to the rousing applause and vocal appreciation
of a captivated audience.

More likely you will hear her when you watch Aida
or Swan Lake,
when you weep at your daughter’s wedding
or your father’s funeral
when you smile at your grandson’s first rendition of Bach
or his first audition on solo viola.

And then let us, the music lovers,
remember in some small way
to say, “Thank you”
to these talented musicians
who give heart and soul
to gift us with their art.
Thank you on my part.