MOVEMENTS

The downbeat threatens. Once the music starts
Movement is ineluctable. More than stick
Baton or metronome, or even the ticking
Inside my silent head, the massive heart

Of universal time is beating, and we submit
Daringly to transcendent entropy,
Bracketed by atoms and nebulae,
And clouded around with witness infinite.

Of course the conductor pauses, concentrates
His being before the plunge to cascading parade
In step with time in cosmic cavalcade,
While space and tempo eternally undulate.

Symphonic movements are aptly named; they send
A message: if things begin, they have an end.

(70, December 9, 1992)

Comments

Jean Alvord [my mother]’s life revolved around music. She taught music as a teacher is southern Maine. At age 44 she joined the Portland Maine symphony orchestra as viola player and retired at age 90. I believe my parents attraction included the shared love of music.

[John Alvord 11-18-2025]

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