Winter 2014 Begins with Music

The Winter 2014 term began January 16 in the Disciple Room at Christ United Methodist Church--ample table space for our group of 17. In "To Play Pianissimo" by Lola Haskins and Adam Zagajewski's "Cello" we found that behind the metaphor of music were quiet, deeper thoughts, these two short poems, as is often the case, more subtle than they first appear.

We also read another piece from Haskins' 44 Ambitions for the Piano, "Fortissimo." It appears at the bottom of this posting and contains in its last line a word of advice to us about last lines.

Zagajewski's translator, Clare Cavanagh, is a professor of Slavic Languages at Northwestern University. More information about her at http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/clare-cavanagh, including audio of her interview with Zagajewski.

Next week we will read Linda Pastan and Billy Collins. There will be time for two and possibly three poems by members of the group. I have poems by Elmer and Kathy and am expecting ones from Martha and Dave. Remember that your poems need not address the morning's topic or theme.

"Fortissimo"
Linda Haskins

To play fortissimo
hold something back.
It is what the father does not say
that turns the son.
The fact that the summit cannot be seen
that drives the climber on.
Consider the graceless ones:
the painter who adds one more brush stroke,
the poet of least resistance
who writes past the end of his poem.