Sing


Sing with thy voice from within
Softly, if not to let it stray
Heartily, if it doth provoke that way
Let the melody restrain with its refrain
the mundane fare,
for a moment as if to pray

Sing a resounding song
Gently if that befits thy composure
Zestfully, if carousing is more thy nature
Hold the tune strong and make it long
enough to remember,
the curving cadence of its pleasure

Sing like a bird and the forest will hear
Wondrously if thy words will rhyme
Rapturously if thy harmony will chime
Let the column of voice build a cheer
to sweeten nature,
and to tame the ravages of passing time

 

Rome, 14 7 2000