Notes About The Poem

For Craig Cornish's Maestro poetry contest.

 

 

Maestro

Composed, he walks towards the podium.
At first to applause, until a hush forms.
His heart beats like a water pump,
sweat drips - eyes fixed at his ensemble.
Audience anticipates,
as he stands at the nexus of musical creations.
With a brief glance - nods and closes his eyes,
baton in hand and a flick of wrist,
an oboe penetrates the silence,
violins trill and bass begin to roar.
His empathy connects with each note,
as his wand moves to the tempo,
conjuring symphonic magic,
softly then dramatically, 
as emotions ebb and flow,
like waves weaving solo tones.

Spectators lost in imagination.
Gradually the melody flows faster,
as trumpets and trombones blow.
He feels a sharp pain in his chest,
as his pores drip like little rivers on his lips,
but he still guides the harmonic mood
with precision and clarity.

As the horns blare and percussions echo,
he loses grip of his baton - falls onto his knees,
clutching his breast - the music stops,
pianist plays her last key - audience gasp

he falls to the ground - curtains close.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Beaufort Avatar
May 5, 2024 at 12:29 PM
Silent One, seems like an allegory for life. At least he was doing his life's work when the end came. It's a very clever use of the scene to make a dramatic point. TY!! and hope our final curtain holds off until we've done enough to feel good about the ending.
Slaughter Avatar
May 4, 2024 at 10:46 AM
Ah, S O, this brings back so many wonderful memories of classical music performances I have attended, and also a reminder that it has been far too long since I have been to one.
George Avatar
May 4, 2024 at 6:37 AM
He gave it all, his last straw to what he loved and he would be remembered for it. Lovely piece with everything stated beautifully. The music, the tempo, instruments and spectators. Sure they had a blast.
Ashley Avatar
April 30, 2024 at 9:53 AM
Dear Silent One, your golden pen captures the electric symphony scene with dramatic, dynamic imagery of musical anticipation by the maestro, the audience and the players on the stage. The verses all building in intensity till the "curtains close" in a grand poetic finale. A splendid piece! Congratulations for your win in Brian's contest. Warmest wishes my inspiring friend.. ~Susan
Kauffman Avatar
April 29, 2024 at 10:59 AM
Your maestro, SO, gave everything, including his last breath, to music. Your lines so wonderfully contrast each instrument with the agony of your maestro as the tempo goes from largo to pianissimo! Truly this is a symphony written with the finesse of artistry. Best wishes for the contest. Blessings!
George Avatar
April 27, 2024 at 9:54 PM
The swan song of the music maestro cannot be described in a better way. How heart stirring! He ended his song for ever as the audience sat glued to their seats lost in the mesmerizing notes that flowed from him. Though it was an anti climax, how fortunate he has been to make his final bow from life in the midst of rising appreciation, etching an indelible impression in the hearts of his admirers. Into my FAVE
Hamilton Avatar
April 27, 2024 at 8:34 AM
hey SO where have you been ? hope all is well I loved Maestro so dramatic well written dear friend hugs Shadow
Rose  Avatar
April 26, 2024 at 4:12 PM
Sounds like he gave his last amazing performance S, I'm waiting for the curtains to rise again and it was only dreaming lol, you tell it so well,
Buhagiar Avatar
April 26, 2024 at 12:18 AM
He needs stamina. I have seen many diverse maestros on the tube. One of them performed half a striptease. Crazy. Andre Rieu is my favorite.
Rodrigues Avatar
April 25, 2024 at 9:29 AM
The maestro gave his all in his last performance. Where there should be applause, instead a gasp. A high moment can fall to the lowest. Great write…applause here. Hugs ~ Kim
Xiang Avatar
April 24, 2024 at 11:39 PM
I can truly feel the orchestra playing to a hushed audience and the maestro drives them on to greater heights. It made me smile the ending. Somebody give the composer of this sublime melody CPR!
Rolland Avatar
April 24, 2024 at 3:52 PM
beautiful and movinf tribute to classical music, my favorite, you penetrated the soul of an orchestra, yes we need maestros, thanks poet
Parker Avatar
April 24, 2024 at 12:25 PM
like the maestro in your poem your pen, the baton led us on a journey through the symphony of your poem...
Poet Avatar
April 24, 2024 at 9:46 AM
The poem is truly exceptional, perfectly capturing the essence of excellence and commitment that a conductor embodies. The show consistently delivers a breathtaking finale, with the creators prioritizing the overall quality over their personal preferences. This poem stirred up a range of emotions. The narrative of the conductor's journey, from initial nervousness to the development of his antics and eventual tragedy, is truly captivating and deeply moving.
Rodgers Avatar
April 24, 2024 at 5:58 AM
Dear Silent One , reading this poem stirred many emotions within me. I loved the portrayal of the conductor's journey, from poised anticipation to the crescendo of performance and eventual tragedy, is both gripping and haunting. Yet, amidst the beauty of the performance, there is an underlying tension, a foreshadowing of the conductor's impending struggle. Ultimately, I felt how his collapse symbolizes the fragility of life and the transient nature of art, leaving the audience stunned and breathless. Good Luck on the Contest- Blessings, Daniel
Pandit Avatar
April 24, 2024 at 5:51 AM
Tempo of your write builds through your verses as violine roars with magic of rhythms--splendidly delivered on the contest theme, SO. So sad the curtain closes--though not a bad way to go--loving what one loves to do.
Empress Avatar
April 24, 2024 at 4:37 AM
What a dramatic and soul hitting ending to a very well crafted poem dear silent one! You did this maestro write very well. It was like as if i was seeing through your lines that flow so well with descriptive diction! I love many lines in this but the ending i think is my most fave part of this as well as “ violins trill and bass begin to roar. His empathy connects with each note, as his wand moves to the tempo, conjuring symphonic magic, softly then dramatically” whoa! Powerful yet delicate, and so very artistic! I absolutely loved this poem! Pleasure reading your work! Best wishes for the contest! I think this will do well! Sending you light always
Williams Avatar
April 24, 2024 at 3:45 AM
This poem resonates strongly with me, you might remember me telling you that my dad was a professional musician. . Your poem is a gem as it captures the level of professionalism and dedication that a conductor possesses. They often push themselves to the limit in order to ensure the show reaches a spectacular climactic end, sometimes even sacrificing their own needs in the process. It takes a special kind of musician to go above and beyond like that, and their efforts certainly do not go unnoticed, as in the case of this selfless Soul. Good luck in the contest, its sure to do well...Hugs
Jones Avatar
April 24, 2024 at 3:20 AM
Wow! Your poem is engaging and unique! I wonder if maestro had a heart attack? Great writing and good luck in the contest!
One Avatar
April 24, 2024 at 3:22 AM
Thank you..I wanted to leave it open to interpretation...but in my eyes he did...and he waited till the 2nd of the performance is pure professionalism and that is why he was the maestro...
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