The Soaring of the Tenor Voice
Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem
When Orpheus was on the “Argo,” he
Was cox. He beat the rhythm of the oars’
Strokes for the heroes as they sailed the sea
Of myth. His cadence in between the shores
Of bravery and glory, three degrees
Of order bound up in their stately heights
And depths, provided surety like trees
He later forced to form in ranks through sleights
Of singing in his lyric beauty. Men
Are only men until they heed the call
Of manliness wrapped up with gods, but then,
If powered like a poem, they can thrall
The cosmos to their power. Give them dream
And music, and they rise in strength, supreme.