On the shores of the Bay of Naples
Sun glints off wet sand in the morning light,
Broken clams, nacre of whelk,
Pale pink silver grains of barnacles ground in the
surf:
Our university laboratory.
First one figures out what each piece is, gives it a
name,
Then finds out what it means, and how it works by
itself, then what role it plays in the ensemble.
And much later, in ever-widening circles, how the
music must sound.
Then how each little wisp of music works with others,
The subtle changes that each new instrument
brings—
How each senses and varies the moonlight, the silver,
The reflections and harmonies.
Then write them.
Isn’t that what it’s all about?
Joy in concentration.
Anton