As I was finishing off my latest patchi installment for my website, I discovered the poetry of Archibald Lampman (1861 - 1899). I believe the experience of music is one of the most challenging subjects to put into words and Lampman has done that so beautifully in this sonnet, that I couldn't resist sharing it!
The Piano
Low brooding cadences that dream and cry
Life's stress and passion echoing straight and clear;
Wild flights of notes that clamour and beat high
Into the storm and battle, or drop sheer;
Strange majesties of sound beyond all words
Ringing on clouds and thunderous heights sublime;
Sad detonance of golden tones and chords
That tremble with the secret of all time;
O wrap me round; for one exulting hour
Possess my soul, and I indeed shall know
The wealth of living, the desire, the power,
The tragic sweep, the Appollonian glow;
All life shall stream before me; I shall see,
With eyes unblanched, Time and Eternity.
Archibald Lampman
