this poet’s page suddenly turns black
stars appear
am i standing on the earth?
the sky like the palladium
of the phantom of the opera
a masquerade of candleshine
i wouldn’t be surprised to see angels
descending
each holding a solitary beacon
they say stars sing —
i applaud thee soprano-coloratura
star-soubrette whimsically winks
then spurs across theater stage
i say a prayer
3/16/2020
A Star's Heartbeat Poetry Contest
Sponsor - Chantelle Anne Cooke
From: https://www.theopera101.com/operaabc/voices/
*The coloratura soprano is capable of seemingly superhuman feats.
**A soubrette soprano refers as much to an archetype of character as a voice type. These are cheeky, coquettish parts, sung by singers with sweet, bright voices. The tessitura of these parts can sometimes be pretty high but without an excess of coloratura.
Categories:
tessitura, appreciation, imagery, stars,
Form: Free verse
How does the music flow?
Subtle single soprano notes and chorals sing out
in whispered melodies, blustery bravado mix doubts
when one tenor voice begins its solos on the rise
blending with the symphony surprise.
At first comes the birthing lullabyes
raising smiles and laughter to a mother's eyes
followed quickly by the growth spurt years
with know it all, rebellious tessitura teenage tears.
A young adult determined to be a trembling soloist
with every decision made too fast, too quickly confessed
in life's lover, warrior, passaggio falsetto blessed
wavering in decisions and earlier dream quests.
Mid life crisis drops us each to our knees
in lack luster timbre bass keys
of pain and loss upon a lifelong analogue
marked high and low with vocal pedagogue.
Time is faded and easily slipping away
contralto hymns flow deep and low yet never stay
as the background orchestra continues the sacred cantata
of life's moments culminating in our final sonata.
Categories:
tessitura, life, song,
Form: Quatrain