Notes About The Poem

My Choir Director

My choir director
                    is a painter
    a music stand her easel
                        the choir loft her frame
        her canvas is the air 
                           we breathe in
            and synchronously exhale

Sixteen voices are her paints
                    organized by color palettes
    low ebony hues down there
                        bright primary tones over here
        complementary colors placed in between
                            the accompanist creates a background wash
            under her attentive ear

Following her calling with tenacity and talent
                    her hands pirouetting like ballerinas
    expressive              decisive              intentional
                        coaxing cohesive chorales
        conversing with the rhythm
                            she paints a sacred symmetry of
            sanctified synergy in sound


// for Janet, my beloved choir director and bride of 35 years //

written 2 Aug 2020
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Goldsmith Avatar
August 7, 2020 at 9:54 AM
Congratulations on your win. Your pen was working over time on this one. A great write. Enjoy your win and day..............
Watt Avatar
August 7, 2020 at 10:11 AM
Thank you very much Paula, what kind words you bring my way. This one was in the works for about three months before I finally felt it was ready. Blessings ~ John
Kauffman Avatar
August 6, 2020 at 9:53 AM
Hi John! Congratulations on your winning richly metaphoric tribute to Janet! This is a tribute to your skill as a poet and a tribute to Janet as your inspiration! I thought I had commented already but my comment doesn't seem to be there! Sigh. Beautifully crafted - another splash hit! Blessings dear friend!
Watt Avatar
August 6, 2020 at 11:58 AM
Thank you ever so kindly, my friend. You as a singer may have some experience with wonderful choir directors. I know I'm biased, but she really is a good one and everyone else in our little choir would agree!
Krutsinger Avatar
August 5, 2020 at 9:53 PM
A fantastic tribute to Janet! Beautifully penned John. Gorgeous write!
Watt Avatar
August 6, 2020 at 11:56 AM
Caren, thank you for your lovely comments yesterday, I'm just now getting around to replying!
Faulkner Avatar
August 5, 2020 at 9:18 PM
This is such a heartwarming tribute to your wife, I love the way you describe music as colors of a painting - and I see congratulations are in order too, and well earned-
Watt Avatar
August 5, 2020 at 9:38 PM
Thank you my dear friend. It's been very hard on her being away from choir during COVID-19. Your words are much appreciated.
Chiri Avatar
August 5, 2020 at 5:09 PM
John I should have known you would be in the top with this piece!:) congrats my friend!:)
Watt Avatar
August 5, 2020 at 6:07 PM
Your comment is so endearing, Brenda. Thank you! Loved your winning poem as well ~ John
Dietrich Avatar
August 4, 2020 at 3:59 PM
this is a FAVE. you have such special talent, John. I really do see the growth in you since you came back here!
Watt Avatar
August 4, 2020 at 4:02 PM
Thank you so much, for that multi-dimensional compliment. Always grateful for a fave from you and your assessment of growth means tons to me ~ John
Michael Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 10:50 AM
Lovely pictures you've painted of Janet...Well expressed
Watt Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 11:12 AM
Thank you, Arturo. You are a kind poetry friend. Have a great day ~ John
Proxenos Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 10:35 AM
Oh how beautiful John your talented wonderful wife must have been so thrilled by this breathtaking tribute to her - so very thoughtful and loving of you to write it. I hope you go to 70 years married. Blessings and hugs, Jennifer.
Watt Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 11:11 AM
Thank you for your wonderful words of friendship, Jennifer. I always love your warm comments. Hugs ~ John
Hinshaw Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 9:48 AM
John, a wonderful tribute to your bride! A splendid blend of her grace with art! Bob
Watt Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 10:06 AM
Thank you for the kind visit, Bob. She truly is a wonder to behold with her grace and her deep love of music. John
Watson Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 7:45 AM
John this is such an original and brilliant combination of ideas. I really loved it and the personal touch behind the inspiration. Thank you too for commenting on an old poem of mine even though I haven't been writing any new poems for a couple of months. All is well here but we are well and truly immersed in wedding preparations albeit, sadly, for a masked event!!
Watt Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 10:05 AM
Wendy, the more poets I meet, the harder it is to get around to all my dear poet friends. You are missed but not forgotten. Many blessings to you as your daughter's wedding date draws near. I'm sure it will be a magnificent and memorable day. Thank you for the lovely comment. God bless you, my friend ~ John
Y. Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 5:33 AM
WoW! John, Your choir director is your wife? Great tribute to your dear wife. Thanks for sharing:-) Alexis
Watt Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 10:00 AM
Thank you Alexis. It is an honor to sing under her talented leadership. Enjoy your day ~ John
Pigeon Tart Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 4:47 AM
I felt the love in every line. xomo
Watt Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 9:59 AM
I appreciate your comment Pidge. This was a labor of love. Blessings ~ John
Cunningham Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 12:37 AM
A beautiful tribute you've written to your wife John. You too are an artist creating this masterpiece with your words. Tom
Watt Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 9:58 AM
She is the real talent in the family. It's really wonderful to see what she can draw from a group of ragtag singers. Thanks for the kind words ~ John
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