Carolyn Devonshire Poet Rhyme

Music At Midnight

His home is beneath the theater stage 
Disfigured, he remains within his cage
Listening to melodies played onstage
Fills him with loneliness, not rage

Once a fine actor, the Phantom awaits midnight
To sing alone, so fear he won’t incite
For the “garish light of day” he finds too bright
When he hears Christine sing, he bemoans his plight

Hours pass until midnight when the theater’s empty
And he lays his hands on each piano key
Stroking them as he would her face on the marquis
But only at midnight is his soul set free

What would Christine think if she saw his face
He senses the need his feelings to encase
As much as he longs for her tender embrace
He fears she would just leave him in disgrace

Midnight, midnight, he awaits patiently
So he can finally perform shamelessly
This midnight ritual he enacts faithfully
Singing to a woman he’d love undyingly

He croons sadly, wishing for her ovation
Absorbing the power of each note’s vibration
Dreaming one day he’ll submit to temptation
And reveal himself to discover her elation



* Based on the Broadway play “Phantom of the Opera” 
and its powerful song, “Music of the Night.”  Most
plays end just before midnight. “Garish light of day”
is a line from the song.
* Poem written Jun 6, 2014

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Tim Smith July 9, 2014 at 8:32 PM Simply beautiful Carolyn...Just stopping by to say hello...Hugs Tim

Elaine George July 2, 2014 at 6:08 AM I simply love the story and music of, 'Phantom of the Opera'. I play that CD in my car always. I know and sing along with every tune. Love what you have written, Carolyn. BFN Lainie

Joseph May June 30, 2014 at 6:22 AM Well penned Carolyn...congrats on your win

Diane Locksley June 30, 2014 at 4:40 AM Dear Aunt Carolyn, I wish you would have been able to see the play with me. I expect to hear the sound track at Aunt Bobbie's when we have our family reunion. She's seen this play twice and plays the music a lot. Love, Diane

Barbara Gorelick June 29, 2014 at 9:15 PM Congrats LNC! Ill be in touch soon. Have been under the weather. BG

Casarah Nance June 29, 2014 at 7:27 PM i have never seen Phantom of the opera, but I did enjoy your poem, I'm am curious to watch it now, well done on your win lady :)

Carrie Richards June 29, 2014 at 6:12 PM A wonderful poem about the amazing broadway show.....such a favorite of mine! I was lucky enough to see it performed in San Francisco many years ago.....so enchanting, and exciting to watch the chandelier hanging over the audience.... under the spell of the music!!! Your poem brings back a wonderful memory! Congrats, Carolyn!!

Kelly Deschler June 29, 2014 at 6:09 PM I absolutely loved your poem, Carolyn! You are a great storyteller. Wonderful rhyming, as well!.... I haven't seen the play, but I always loved the classic silent film, "The Phantom of the Opera", starring Lon Chaney.... Congratulations on your first place win! Well deserved!

Keith O.J. Hunt June 15, 2014 at 1:07 PM Another fine gem Carolyn! :-)Keith

Jack Horne June 15, 2014 at 7:43 AM beautiful and touching piece on the Phantom, my friend

Arthur Vaso June 13, 2014 at 9:16 PM What a wonderful write, loved it!

Jadazzle United June 12, 2014 at 7:48 AM Well this certainly got inside my mind . I wish you well in the contest .

Cherl Dunn June 11, 2014 at 8:05 PM Take well earned bow, and the phantom would applaud you from somewhere in the old opera house, would I myself. By the way I wrote one on him myself, I've always been a fan of him, and the legend created by the old story created by his story. I may post it when it gets close to holloween. Thank you for sharing your vision on this old sad aster of the dark shadows. cheri

Elaine George June 11, 2014 at 9:21 AM The music in that Musical is so beautiful and haunting. I have it on CD and play it in my car all the time. Wonderful poem you have written bringing it all back to me, Carolyn. Sure to top the list. And...thank you for your comments on 'Father's Day'. bfn Love, Lainie

Tim Ryerson June 10, 2014 at 7:54 PM Favorite line among many: 'Stroking them as he would her face on the marquis'...This is SO melancholy and so brilliantly written. I saw many operas growing up (My dad was an opera singer) but never had the privilege of seeing this one. And the winner is...(I think I know) - Tim

Andrea Dietrich June 10, 2014 at 6:27 PM hey, I did not know this about the Broadway plays ending right about that time. what a cool way to do the challenge. I know this will do well in the contest!

Sara Kendrick June 10, 2014 at 5:05 AM I especially like the last stanza..I have on occasion written one using (tion) and it is easy to get rhymes..Thanks for the visit to my page..Sara

Paul Callus June 10, 2014 at 2:31 AM This is awesome! Love every bit of it. Beautifully expressed and flowing with impeccable rhyme. Right....now I have to read it again....before midnight strikes:)) // paul Paul Callus June 29, 2014 at 5:46 PM Congratulations, Carolyn!! a very deserved win. // paul

Jan Allison June 10, 2014 at 1:17 AM SIMPLY STUNNING! Am speechless Hugs Jan xxxx

Joyce Johnson June 9, 2014 at 6:49 PM A beautiful poem about the wonderful Broadway play. A wonderful entry for the contest. I just read you comment on my latest. I am so glad if you found something helpful in it. Love you too. Joyce. Carolyn Devonshire June 10, 2014 at 4:15 PM Sweet friend, Your poems always touch my heart. I am always stunned by the magic you create with your pen! Love, Carolyn

Tim Smith June 9, 2014 at 6:49 PM Wonderful piece Carolyn...I didn't know about the plays ending before midnight....hugs Tim Carolyn Devonshire June 10, 2014 at 4:17 PM Tim, I've seen at least 50 Broadway plays and none have gone past midnight. Perhaps the longest was "Les Miserables," but it was surely captivating. The Phantom can only play his music when the theater is empty. It's a beautiful story.