We sat in front of the empty stage,
Just a piano sitting on it,
And a table with tea and biscuits.
Where was everyone?
Then from behind us came a voice
Asking if this was the place,
And was the man he came to meet here?
He walked to the stage,
Saw the piano and sat at it,
He said he loved the piano
And would we mind if he played.
He played with absolute ease,
And then his voice sailed,
Sailed around the room
Delighting all.
Another voice came from behind
And a beautiful lady walked in,
Walked to the stage.
They knew each other,
Kissed cheeks,
And asked if they had seen the man,
The man that had called them there.
The pianist asked her to sing,
And sing she did.
This wonderful soprano voice
Filled the theatre,
Bringing us to our feet.
Two more voices were heard from behind,
Another wondrous lady
And a big bearded bass,
All were searching for the man.
All had been asked,
Asked to come and sing,
Sing the best opera in the world.
That is when the bickering started,
What was the best opera in the world?
The bickering stopped
When a loud tenor voice
Came from behind,
They knew who it was
Knew his poor reputation.
The voice approached,
Followed by this handsome man.
He too had been asked,
Asked the same question
To attend to sing,
Sing the best opera in the world.
They each had their favourite,
Each thought theirs was the best.
We were in raptures,
As arias and choruses
Rose from these singers,
These superb singers,
Who treated us to the glory,
The glory that is opera.
In the midst of their climax
A letter was found,
Saying that the person
The person they were to meet
Had died,
And would not be with them
Except in Spirit.
They went silent
Four of the singers sat down in sadness.
The pianist played and sung,
One of the saddest of all songs
Came from his lips,
Tom Bowling floated round the room,
We, I, was in tears,
As were we all.
The audience went silent
Not a sound was heard,
Except this plaintiff singing
And the occasional sob,
Absolute silence reigned
As the song closed.
The singers rose from their sadness
And sang for us again,
Dispelling the torpor
With the glory of opera once more.
We cheered,
We applauded as these five musicians ended,
Ended a marvellous afternoon,
An afternoon of humour and sadness,
But most of all an afternoon
Of such wonderful singing.
Singing for us,
Singing for all,
Singing the best opera in the world.
-
Author:
Goldfinch60 (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: October 6th, 2017 01:47
- Comment from author about the poem: Written in honour of 6Characters who performed for us at St. Peter’s Baptist Church Worcester on 29th September 2017. A wonderful performance of some wonderful music. This company of singers go around Care Homes and Alzheimers congregations to bring opera to those with dementia, as my wife has, and Alzheimers Disease. I sent this poem to the lady who organises the group and she has asked if she could put it on the new Website that are designing, I of course agreed and have subsequently written another one for her which she also wants on her Website - I am truly honoured. Their current website is www.6characters.org.uk which will be upgraded soon.
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 80
- Users favorite of this poem: Michael Edwards, dusk arising
Offline)
Comments11
Well it even had tears in my eyes just reading this superb poem - this must have such a really special occasion and How I would love to have been there. This is real top drawer stuff Andy.
Thank you Michael, it was a very special occasion. I may put up the follow up poem tomorrow.
A fine event and poem Gold.
It certainly was.
Yes a delightful read . Do put up the other one ... I will check out the website
Thank you WL, will do.
I could imagine the stage and all of the sounds coming forth. They were united by one man, who in passing achieved a great feat. I felt surrounded by song.
Thank you LG, it was certainly like that.
and a beautiful opera it turned out to be !
Thank you Ron, opera is always beautiful.
nature is an opera,the sky is a painting
Oh, I got the chills. Beautiful poem GF! This touched my heart as I imagined everything that was going on. Great job!
Thank you Christina, most kind.
A spectacularly portrayed poetic reenactment of a performance anyone would wish to have experienced. You outdid yourself with this one, Goldie! Bravo!
Thank you Louis, most kind.
Goldfinch, you not only depicted this extra-ordinary afternoon perfectly, you touched many hearts, doing so.
Great writing!
Thank you Fred, I am going to put the other one up today to show how people reacted to the play/opera.
Wow! What a great poem and inspirational event. It must had been so special. I'm glad you wrote about it. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Malu, it was certainly very special.
I loved this. You're so talented in telling a story. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you SM, most kind of you to say this.
Your amazing ability to reach out and touch your reader is astounding. Ive seen you write amazing verse about dust and disappearing biscuits, so creative. But here your creativity and poetic prowess shine to astounding brilliance. Theatrical and very very moving. A must for my favourites.
DA you are so very kind and I appreciate your comments very much.
To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.