Notes About The Poem

 Music of the Night               

Music of the Night

Confined beneath the theater's stage 
Disgraced, he paces within his cage
Listening to music played onstage
Beset by abject loneliness, not rage

Disfigured Phantom shrouded by night
Once Broadway's toast, he sings alone so fear won’t incite
“Garish light of day” offends, too bright
As Christine sings, he bemoans his plight

Hours pass till the theater’s empty
Gently his hands caress each piano key
Like he is stroking her face on the marquis
When the play ends, his soul is set free

Would Christine scream if she saw his face
He dares not step forth; his feelings encase
Her song to his ears wraps him with tender embrace
But concealed he remains, not inviting disgrace

Play's chorus resounds; he waits patiently
Only after hours might he perform shamelessly
His late-night ritual enacts faithfully
Singing for the woman he’ll love endlessly

He dreams one day of resigning to temptation
Revealing himself and discovering her elation
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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12
Theraven Avatar
July 27, 2019 at 12:40 PM
Carolyn, I like this poem. 'Wishing I could Hear your voice again Knowing that I Never would Dreaming of you Won't help me to do All that you dreamed I could' Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Phantom of the Opera
Callus Avatar
February 20, 2019 at 8:15 AM
Wow! What an excellent delivery, Carolyn! Phantom of the opera will always be a favourite with young and old. I love the ease with which your poem flows and rhymes. Emotionally, the Phantom holds all the right cards! ~ Congratulations on placing first! Love // paul
Dietrich Avatar
February 18, 2019 at 2:31 PM
I see this placed number ONE. Congrats for that, sweetie.
Andresen Avatar
February 17, 2019 at 12:49 PM
- Congratulations on your great 1st place in the contest Carolyn :) - // Anne-Lise :)
Fairchild Avatar
February 17, 2019 at 2:40 AM
I am pleased and amazed that you have compassion, not horror, for the Phantom. He is one of the great romantics of all time, and he only wants to love her, but so often, people miss that. I love your vivid piece, evocative of the strains of Phantom's agonized and enraptured voice. Congratulations! Truly, this is the Music of the Night!
Devonshire Avatar
February 17, 2019 at 6:50 PM
The Phantom has always seemed to be a sympathetic character, Andrew. It wasn't his fault his face was scarred and who can blame him for loving Christine. Thank you for your kind comments.
Dietrich Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 8:04 PM
I can't totally remember the story line but you certainly captured the essence of this story very very well, Carolyn. (I saw the movie long ago. Have you seen the Broadway play?)
Devonshire Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 8:06 PM
No, I saw the Broadway performers in Ft. Lauderdale a few years ago. Also saw a similar musical that was just called "Phantom." It's hard to beat a timeless love story that includes tragedy and beautiful music. Thanks for reading, Andrea.
Haight Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 7:45 PM
Carolyn, this is one of my favorite operas, and I was fortunate to see it on Broadway. Your lovely, well-written poem brings back memories of the powerful emotions experienced through the music. Congratulations on your First Place win! Hugs, Sandra
Devonshire Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 8:04 PM
Broadway ticket prices have risen dramatically in the last few years. The Ft. Lauderdale performance I saw was excellent, but we couldn't dine at Sardi's before the show. Thanks for reading, Sandra.
Laurie Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 6:01 PM
Hello Carolyn … I kind of see your poem as a very sad tale, with a fear of rejection. Very nice Carolyn - Lindsay
Gauthier Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 3:29 PM
A beautfiul tribute, Carolyn. Congrats on your well deserved top win.
George   Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 3:16 PM
Simply beautiful, Carolyn. Many congrats on your first place. Well Done. Elaine
Onclaud Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 12:44 PM
i do feel the longing of the phantom for his beloved, carolyn... when i watched this on broadway, the bittersweet lines , songs touched me like this grreeat poem... big congrats and huggs!
Devonshire Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 2:47 PM
It's wonderful you got to see it on Broadway, Nette. I saw a performance in Fort Lauderdale's huge theater. One of the best plays ever, and I'm not often fond of musicals. This is an exception.
Godwin Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 11:36 AM
My son and I love Phantom of the Opera so I eagerly dove into your poem which definitely delivered the musical's feel. You took me there with great flowing rhyme full of the emotion the story induces. I thoroughly enjoyed 'being' with this poem. Beautifully written. All the best ...CayCay
Devonshire Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 12:01 PM
How kind your comments are. Thanks for reading, CayCay!
May Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 9:48 AM
A phantom hoping to be her "angel of music"...Congrats on your win Carolyn..
Pandit Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 9:39 AM
A well deserved top win for you Carolyn..you chose a great theme and delivered it flawlessly. Congrats.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 9:22 AM
Awesome piece! Congratulations on your top win :) xomo!
Sands Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 9:02 AM
Congratulations for your great win Carolyn :)
One Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 8:32 AM
I love Phantom of the opera and have watched is several times... Great flow and rhymes in your wondeful poem Carolyn.. Congratulations on your first place in the contest..
Devonshire Avatar
February 16, 2019 at 9:19 AM
Wow! Thanks, Silent One.
Sands Avatar
February 15, 2019 at 5:41 PM
Excellent! Well written Carolyn :)
Faulkner Avatar
February 15, 2019 at 3:42 PM
(Ps I got your package today, thank you!)
Devonshire Avatar
February 15, 2019 at 4:23 PM
I appreciate you letting me know. Glad it arrived!
Faulkner Avatar
February 15, 2019 at 3:41 PM
I love 'Phantom of the Opera' this is so tenderly told, so majestically sad, so tragically lovely!
Devonshire Avatar
February 15, 2019 at 4:23 PM
It is a wonderful play, Michelle. Only saw it for the first time about five years ago, but listened to the music much earlier. Thanks for reading! Hugs, Carolyn
Messina Avatar
February 15, 2019 at 9:33 AM
I never saw the movie, nor have I read the book. After reading your delightful poem I feel like I've missed out on some thing special. Lovely poem, Carolyn. Have a wonderful weekend. Love & hugs, Charlie :)
Devonshire Avatar
February 15, 2019 at 12:18 PM
Phantom and Les Miserables tie for the two saddest musicals I've seen. Thanks for reading, Charlie!
Raven Avatar
February 15, 2019 at 7:55 AM
Hi Carolyn, this is such a wonderful write. The Phantom Of the Opera, one of my favourite books. Love the content of this write. Such beautiful images flow through my mind as I read down your wonderful lines, I can feel his loneliness. You have caught the darkness of the piece, the love, the longing, such an excellent write Carolyn. A fave. have a wonderful Friday. Hugs....Mike. XX
Leffanta Avatar
February 14, 2019 at 7:25 PM
You have it; music is better than chocolates on Valentine's Day! Aloha! Rico
Gorelick Avatar
February 14, 2019 at 5:52 PM
Very nice work my friend. BG
Cunningham Avatar
February 14, 2019 at 3:42 PM
Beautifully written Carolyn. Tom.
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