Orchestrated

At the worst times
In the darkest possible night,
When the shadows crept
And the winds howl
The deep dark orchestrates a song.  
And I would like to think
That the devil didn't fiddle
But he sat first chair.
I noticed the band of demons,
And my soul was scared.

I didn’t notice the conductor.
And I barely heard the song
Bawled up in the corner
I cried and cried.
I didn’t notice the spirit,
But I felt the gentle nudge.
My hand was firmly gripped.
As I was led to the stage.

I wasn’t handed a violin, viola, cello or bass,
There was no chair for me to sit.
Just one empty spot
And it was on center stage
Where I was handed the baton.
Instead of knowing the song
The sheet was blank;
And the light came on.

Hurt took the piano
And aggravation the violin
Broken picked up the microphone
And the song of repression began.
Its not the song I wanted to play
And its not the song I wanted to hear!
But they were my best players
And their music my worst fears.

I would have rather hear Love on the piano,
And Ease on the violin,
I wanted a happy story
Where a happily ever after could begin.

At the worst times
In the darkest possible night,
When the shadows creep
And the winds howl
The deep dark orchestrates a song.  
It is up to me to hand out the music
And up to me to count out the beat
It is up to me kick the devil out of the first seat.


I wrote the beginnings of this poem this spring when my youngest daughter moved into the house with my husband's sister.  It was so painful.  I finished the poem this fall.  10/13/2018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Godwin Avatar
December 20, 2025 at 4:43 PM
I came from your fun grammar poem to this, so from a grin to a gray you've had your way w/ me today. This is spectacular writing w/ emotions that anyone with more decades behind than ahead can relate to, if not outright feel, like I do. I want to save it, but I don't 'cause it is a subject I'm saturated with, the lethargy, self-isolation, suicide ideology, all contrary to my true, upbeat nature. Your talent shines in this poem that I don't want to feel! Pls understand & say ur better, Scarlet O
Hawley Avatar
December 20, 2025 at 5:50 PM
This was the first poem I wrote after around 20 years of writing nothing, my jumpstart into writing poetry. Yes, today things are so much better in every way compared to back then. Thank you for the compliment.
Nicholsen Avatar
November 15, 2024 at 8:20 PM
This is very well written awesome expression of your fears and depression orchestrated brilliantly here captivating surge to my spirit as the dark one sits in the first chair intriguingly haunting I enjoyed reading your poem many blessings to you
Hawley Avatar
November 15, 2024 at 8:32 PM
This poem came from a vivid vision I had simply laying down on my living room floor, like I saw everything in the poem. My youngest was 14 when she moved out and it was such a dark time. Lots of things have changed since like 2016 and I see I finished this in 2018. Writing for me has been a healthy vent and a part of a healing process. I am glad you enjoyed this poem.
Poet Avatar
June 18, 2023 at 6:19 PM
Miranda, your first poem is an exquisitely crafted composition that has captivated me. I am grateful for your generosity in sharing the link with me. Your adept manipulation of language within this verse is truly remarkable. It seems as though even the most malevolent forces could not have anticipated your ability to articulate such profound sentiments. Moreover, the rhythmic cadence of this piece is enthralling, leaving readers craving for further encounters with your literary prowess.
Hawley Avatar
June 18, 2023 at 7:33 PM
I was in a really dark spot in my life when I wrote this poem. I was laying on my living room floor and I simply "saw" this scene that I am talking about in this poem. The original ending was "and the light came on", which is obviously, now the middle of the poem.
Dietrich Avatar
January 6, 2023 at 5:50 PM
I love your use of metaphors here and the repetition used beginning and end. That last line was such a cool ending. It was also good to finally see your very first poem also knowing how important it is to you. So well done, Miranda.
Hawley Avatar
January 6, 2023 at 6:03 PM
Glad you like this. I do consider this my very best work. Also its my darkest.
Smith Avatar
October 27, 2022 at 9:52 AM
Excellent use words to orchestrate this poem. Don't think the devil planned on you nailing this one or for your hand to write the music. Great beat to this one too, with readers looking for more of your work. Best Regards David in NZ
Hawley Avatar
October 27, 2022 at 10:34 AM
Thank you for reading the poem that really kickstarted me into writing a LOT more poetry. Glad you enjoyed this. If you are wondering I did in fact play in the orchestra.
Gondolf Avatar
December 6, 2018 at 10:28 PM
Congrats on your placement, Miranda, nicely done. John
Hawley Avatar
December 7, 2018 at 5:02 AM
Thank you very much!
Barden Avatar
December 6, 2018 at 7:02 PM
Best wishes and sincere congrats on your win in Nina's contest, Miranda - blessings to you and yours for a joyous holiday season, my friend! :-) <3
Hawley Avatar
December 7, 2018 at 5:03 AM
Thank you very much!
Canerdy Avatar
December 6, 2018 at 6:44 PM
CONGRATULATIONS on your well-deserved win! Very moving poem! Janice
Hawley Avatar
December 8, 2018 at 10:25 PM
Thank you very much!
Krutsinger Avatar
October 31, 2018 at 2:06 PM
Miranda, welcome to Soup. You had me by the neck at this line: "And I would like to think That the devil doesn’t fiddle But he sits first chair." I love how you came full circle in the end.
Hawley Avatar
October 31, 2018 at 4:40 PM
Thanks!
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