Music with Percussion Wound In
“Bound each to each” ~ William Wordsworth
The skylark’s music phrases are a part
Of nature’s symphony, but only some
Of it. A harmony weighs at the heart
Of wide concerns. Some sounds are like a drum.
Percussive notes break through the brass,
The strings, and woodwind measures. We call
These rhythms pheasant voices beat a class
Of music though not harmony at all.
The magpie chatter and the croak of crow
Fit in the composition and then down
Below and through it all the brooding, low
Sweet voice of smooth dove sounds brings shades of brown.
So melody and lyric sweeps are bound
With pious cadence like marimba sound.
~ Phillip Whidden