Carrie Richards Poet Narrative

Music In the Dark -- Puccini

To tell the truth,
I was no fan of opera, in my youth...

When did it come...?   That turning point....?
I do not know, ........
            perhaps I grew, to understand...
            a wrenching tale his stories told
                                    can grab the heart... ...grip fast ...and hold!
Puccini came, from out of nowhere
It finally made more sense to me...in spite of those who scoff, and shake their heads
Alive once more....this man long dead
          has stirred my soul, ........and I was lead, into the clouds, where heaven lives!

I became a fan, ...and realized, such music lives within the blood
It rushes in, and floods my veins, just as it did to those so long ago
An aria... then a divine duet....Rodolpho and his sweet coquette
  connects me to a vine entwined, 
                           with those who listenend, long before my time.

Sitting in the dark tonight, I pause to think
 who would have dreamed
           how tears in the eyes, have formed a thousand rivers?
                 Long through the ages, still coiling with emotion
                   devotional artists, sing of such rapture
                          into the rafter's to countless reception...
A lover's kiss, the singing with prose
Skins turning cold....from the chill beauty holds
Tears to unfold,  hypnotic poses
A bliss such as this
    has left generations.... breathless 


As the curtain is closed........ I must compose myself


Old music that echoes, as it has for centuries
   bouncing off these walls....as I'm torn into two....
                 mingling with my heart, the old with the new

The rafter's of time, have absorbed one more time
Two tragic lovers, declaring in song
Throngs have been sung to.....hearts have been wrung
                       
I listen, I watch, as lovers fade from the light
                in poignant beauty,  drifting away...
                      ...........dying in the distance, ........
                             as will Mimi, 
                                 leaving her love behind....alone with a shattered heart
                                                  as death tears them apart
                                                               leaving my eyes brimming over
                                                                     with tears in the dark


_________________________________
 "Music By Puccini"

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Daver Austin July 13, 2012 at 11:24 AM Verdi and Puccini were Toscanini's favorites. He was a cellist, but the opera was his first love. Between the two are so many goose-bumpers. Enjoyed. Love, daver

Debbie Guzzi July 12, 2012 at 6:46 PM My I never would have guessed? I value your opinion so it almost [almost ;)] made me want to listen to opera?? [good one for my contest too?] Light & Love

Phyllis Babcock July 12, 2012 at 3:11 PM okay so I am not an opera fan but this has my interest and will have a look what this Puccini is all about. Looks like this type of music has captured your interest. Give me some of that old time rock and roll. Enjoyed your poem Carrie. love phyl Phyllis Babcock July 12, 2012 at 3:18 PM okay checked it out and no-- not my cup of tea

Keith Bickerstaffe July 11, 2012 at 8:00 PM This is a poem literally after my own heart. So eloquently written and rendered. My mother and father, now passed, were singers, in competition and in the church choir. I remember them singing that aria, 'Your Tiny Hand Is Frozen.' I, too, came to Puccini somewhat later in life... La Boheme in particular, in remembrance of my mom and dad. Their performance brought me to tears then, and now, when I slip the CD into my player I can hear them again, and again tears come to my eyes. Thank you so much for rekindling a happy memory. I shall refer to your poem many times. With my warmest wishes, Keith

Andrea Dietrich July 9, 2012 at 9:15 PM well, my goodness, this has to be the most heartfelt and eloquent rendering of adoration for a songwriter that I have seen yet. he also writes the songs, right? I wish I knew a songwriter that I loved so much that I could do this contest justice !!

David Williams July 9, 2012 at 10:13 AM Carrie, I absolutely love this and Puccini, I go to Lucca in Italy every year where he was born to not only enjoy the place but they hold concerts of his music in a church that is no longer used, it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear his music, it is heaven, it echoes around the church like nothing I ever hear elsewhere. Oh Mio Bambino Carro just melts into my soul, you would love it there...David

Nathan D. July 2, 2012 at 8:37 AM lovely good luck in contest

Tim Ryerson July 2, 2012 at 7:30 AM Egads Carrie! Just read this once so far but you know I gotta read many more to let it all sink in. I'm not scoffing or shaking MY head! No ma'am! Remember I once told you my dad was an opera singer? Didn't appreciate then of course but now I sure do! You've inspired me to write about music again! Thanks for this my friend - Tim

Anne-Lise Andresen July 1, 2012 at 3:23 PM I can see that Puccini touching your heart Carrie - lovely poem for the contest, wish you luck and hope for a win. - oxox love Anne-Lise