Author: Madison Julius Cawein

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    Master of human harmonies, where gong
    And harp and violin and flute accord;
    Each instrument confessing you its lord,
    Within the deathless orchestra of Song.
    Albeit at times your music may sound wrong
    To our dulled senses, and its meaning barred
    To Earth's slow understanding, never marred
    Your message brave: clear, and of trumpet tongue.
    Poet-revealer, who, both soon and late,
    Within an age of doubt kept clean your faith,
    Crying your cry of"With the world all's well!"
    How shall we greet you from our low estate,
    Keys in the keyboard that is life and death,
    The organ whence we hear your music swell?

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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem, an eloquent ode to a musician, masterfully employs rich musical imagery to explore themes of human connection, inspiration, and the transcendental power of art. The poet uses the metaphor of an orchestra to depict the unity and harmony that can be achieved through music, with 'gong,' 'harp,' 'violin,' and 'flute' symbolizing the diverse range of human emotions. The musician is elevated as a 'master' and 'lord' of this orchestra, commanding the instruments with a 'trumpet tongue.'

The tone of the poem is one of reverence and admiration, acknowledging the musician's ability to communicate complex and profound truths even when they may seem 'wrong' or misunderstood. The poet also addresses the musician as a 'Poet-revealer,' implying a parallel between the roles of a musician and a poet, both of whom can evoke emotions and insights in their audience through their craft. Despite the 'age of doubt,' the musician maintains 'clean faith,' emphasizing the resilience and hopeful message inherent in their music. The poem concludes with a humbling acknowledgment of mortality ('life and death'), while also celebrating the enduring impact of the musician's work, likened to an 'organ' from which we hear the music 'swell.' The structure of the poem, with its consistent rhyme scheme and rhythmic meter, further echoes the musical theme and reinforces the sense of harmony and order.