The First Magic

Music was the first magic I knew.
I was taught by my father
when he played a bit of Billy Joel or Elton John
on an old piano or keyboard,
or when he sang along to Stevie Wonder.

Later, I learned where to find the notes
on a piano and in my throat,
but I did it quietly and only by ear.
In my room I’d listen to sweeping crescendos
of guitars that wailed desires I had no name for yet,
and let lyrics pull me away like driftwood in a riptide.

When I found the courage to sing the notes out loud,
I understood the delight and delirium that comes
from creating a space for beauty, even if just for an instant.
I discovered the thrill and terror of weaving moods
that can transport a soul.

And although I make room for all the artful beauty I can,
I always return to the joy of notes well sounded,
and luxuriate in the depth of my response to them.
When I find the right song, the magic comes easily.


This song was created in response to the Prompt given over at A Dash of Sunny: Music

39 comments:

  1. Later, I learned where to find the notes
    on a piano and in my throat,
    but I did it quietly and only by ear.

    Gosh Rommy this is such a gorgeous poem - it gives a whole new meaning to the love of music and the passion which it evokes. Beautifully expressed. Thank you so much for participating at Prompt Nights :D

    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

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    1. Aw, thanks! It was delightful prompt to work with. :)

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  2. This is beautiful enough to make the soul sing. I'm enchanted by the serenity of the tone--one can feel the speaker's love for music (and for the pleasure it gives her) in every line.

    And these lines: "I discovered the thrill and terror of weaving moods / that can transport a soul." Pure magic.

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    1. It's only right that a poem about the first form of magic I encountered feels a little magical too. :)

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  3. You caught exactly how I feel about music! It is a magical thing of beauty that can transport and transform my mood. Thank you for the reminder. It was wonderfully written! Your dad and I have the same taste in music, too!

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  4. your last two lines are stunning

    have a happy Passion Sunday
    my music response

    much love...

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    1. I know it's a few days late, but have a lovely holiday and a blessed Holy Week!

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  5. Song is magical, an escape! I can't play instruments, though!

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    1. When I was younger I could find notes on piano much easier, though I am woefully out of practice now. I have learned the zills (finger cymbals) and use them for belly dance, though I'm still very much a beginner with them.

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  6. "Music was the first magic I knew" I didn't realize that was true till I heard you say it. Wonderful

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  7. Music is magic - and very personal - as seems to be here..i like that it comes slowly and makes sense to you in a very direct and passionate way - that infers a true connection and love - and joy hopefully too

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    1. Mostly joy and always awe. Even with a sand song, it's so amazing how completely it can wrap itself around me.

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  8. My pre and teenage years were filled with Billy Joel, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder and I am a mother of six highly successful singers - Music (and art) swirl around me :)

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    1. That is lovely! It's sounds like such an amazing blessing to have music permeate your and your family's life like that.

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  9. I can't imagine being without music. I'm no singer or musician but continue to be uplifted by good songs. Your poem takes me back to those early discoveries of favourite artists.

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    1. There is still to me some amazing magic in finding new artists and new sounds.

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  10. This is really wonderful. Thank you for sharing. My father had excellent taste in music of which I have strong early memories, too.

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    1. My dad influenced a lot of my early love of music. I think I had most of Billy Joel's greatest hits fully memorized back then!

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  11. I have to say I live surrounded with music... but I have spared people from hearing me singing ... I don't even sing in the shower.

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    1. My voice is not once what it used to be, but I wouldn't embarrass myself (too badly) at a karaoke bar. :D

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  12. My goodness - this was divine. We have similar sensibilities. Music is the most sublime of all (can you tell I'm a musician wannabe too)- music is about making something out of nothing. It's the most abstract, ethereal and fulfilling of all the arts. Your song choice is choice indeed. - Mosk

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    1. Thanks. I thought about it for a few minutes before picking Drift Away, but it has just the right feel for this. :)

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  13. This was lovely, Rommy, and so powerful.

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  14. Very nice progression, Rommy. I like the line, "When I found the courage to sing the notes out loud,'" as it tells of a major milestone. I remember singing out loud while walking home from classes in the dark through a 'bad' part of town. Now, on recommendation of a choir director I am quiet when people are listening.
    ..

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    1. It took a long time to get there because of my lack of confidence, but when I finally got around to it I wondered why it had taken me so long.

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  15. First love here too, Rommy -- those old songs are like perfumed letters from the past. I learned a little about tuning pianos from a guy (named Guy) who would play Billy Joel's "Piano Man" when finished. He died at 34 30 years ago, but I always think of him when I hear that song.

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    1. It's amazing how songs tend to affix themselves to a person or a moment in time. Yes, they're exactly like those old letters you describe.

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  16. My brother once wrote: beauty heals. That's what the perfected image can do, in this life and the next. Beautiful.

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  17. Wonderful Rommy! You brought back memories of my journey with discovering the magic of music. Sweet!

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    1. Thanks. I am glad it brought back those feelings. :)

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  18. I love music! Music is magic! Beautifully written Rommy!

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  19. Hi Rommy. Yup you are right. that's how music was/is for me as well. I grew up in a household where ABBA, Michael Jackson, and Madonna played all day...and from then on, I was hooked and enchanted with music. thanks for sharing your memories.

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