Chōka - units of 5 and 7 repeated at least twice then finishing with units 5-7-7
I may have deviated from this once or twice but I kind went as the words took me.
The music I refer to here is Arvo Part's Fourth Symphony 'Los Angeles'
Listening...
That tired day hangs
Wasting energy and time.
My heart sinks with
my mood, as tempers ignite.
Sunshine stings my eyes,
A good thought does not stick.
The train bucks and churns - my God!
I escape to private music.
A quiet passage
To a cool curtained room,
Art’s transporting breeze
Takes me out of the crazed day.
All senses focus,
Concern drifts and disquiet fades.
The strains of Pärt’s work open
and a veil of calm descends.
His voice stentorian,
Amid the bells and massed strings,
The drum his alarm
They press my pale soul to converse.
And I do. His faith
an unshakable vision.
His life so spare and mine rich.
His few words drown the clamour.
His music commands
Unbending belief in good
In crowds, and on streets.
Guardian angels with us!
In crowds and on streets!
His gift in our weary times
He writes on angels:
His all around among us,
Where are mine?
His are as real as my own.
Do I hear angels’ voices?
Do I take care of my angels?
His mission with us:
to ask us to ask ourselves.
My answer is vague.
Softly pained he asks again.
And if we have faith,
They will help us through the day.
“These Angels are not an idea”
“They are real” Pärt is certain.
His music converts,
The faithless day continues.
But the dude abides
And softens his hostile glare.
There ARE angels here!
They will never hear Pärt’s bells,
Harps and stirring strings.
They will lend a hand or ear,
Unknowing of Pärt’s tribute.
They will bear our ills for us,
Against the tired, hot day.
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