LIEBESLIEDER

Twenty wooden boxes, varied sizes,
Special shapes, suggesting bosomy shoulders,
Waist, and fulsome hips, with glowing golden
Varnishes–all vibrate tonalities,

And recall from a century and a half ago
Johannes’ love for Julia. Already he had
Loved the father and mother: the one was mad,
The other unrequiting. Yet here his soul

Has yielded joyous garlands of love-song waltzes.
In suits of black the players stroke the strings,
And voices, bird songs, country dances: springs
Of melody pour out. And life enthralls us.

Lovers and loved are long returned to earth,
While music delights, unfolding magic mirth.

(146, February 3, 1994)

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