Finger the keys, unlock the light within
from simple black and white, chromatic dreams
come tumbling, cascade, begin again
From sharp to flat to natural, unseen
the light that’s sealed between the boundless seams
finger the keys, unlock the light within
On thinking of the dreams that might have been
and those now granted us, forever dreams
come tumbling, cascade, begin again
Melodic, Pentatonic, Dorian
we name our scales, with bright harmonic gleams
finger the keys, unlock the light within
And I have learned that no song is in vain
which soars in hope, above the eaves and beams
comes tumbling, cascades, begins again
And so set free, to dance beneath the rain
the wildheart spirit primordial screams
‘Finger the keys, unlock the light within:
come tumbling, cascade, begin again!’
Written for dVerse
I’m hosting Poetics tonight, where I’m asking for a poem written in iambic pentameter. But not only that: I’m asking you to walk out the rhythm as you compose it.
As we’re talking composition, I’ve been thinking a lot about the links between poetry, the visual arts and music lately. I recently bought an electric piano, and I am gaining so much joy from re-connecting with my music. I will never be an accomplished musician, but that hardly matters: once my tips touch the keys I’m free; I’m dancing.
And here’s one of my favourite pianist/singer-songwriters: (Laurel Canyon) Carole King:
The bar opens at 3pm EST: I hope to see you there!
And why shouldn’t an accomplished poet become an accomplished musician? That’s what I want to know. 🤣
I simply do not have the time 😅
I remain unconvinced of this.
Perhaps I should conjure up some more 😄
👍 I am not surprised. You are such a busy lady.
Beautiful ;”chromatic dreams
come tumbling, cascade, begin again”. 🌹
Thank you 🙏
This is wowing my heart, charming Ingrid. Your use of metre adds great taste to its rhythm. You’re no doubt a great musician. When i first heard your voice in that song you sang with Cindy during your blog rehab, i said, o my sweetness, isn’t she having such a charming euphonious voice! That’s when I started referring to you as charming Ingrid. I think you’re blessed many times. Keep shining, dear. Keep touching lives with your kindness and knowledge. 🌼🌼💕
Thank you Lamittan!
Most welcome.
Wonderful poetry & Carole King selection, Ingrid ~ thank you for sharing ✍🏼🎹😊
Thank you Phil, glad you enjoyed!
The Villanelle was originally more a dance, and it makes sense to use the meter well together with repetitions… love the way you expressed it with the fingers dancing on the keys
Thank you, Björn, I have been enjoying my piano practice recently. I think it helps my poetry!
“Finger the keys, unlock the light within”
Rhthym and light shine through your words
Much love…
Thank you Gillena 🎶🌟
Outstanding work, Ingrid. I esp like ” Finger the keys, unlock the light within,” great advice for pianists and poets as well. Masterfully delivered form, and THANKS for hosting!
Thank you kindly, Ron: I hope you didn’t find the pentameter too tedious!
You are such a natural at iambic pentameter! I enjoy music as much as poetry, I played piano as a child and wish I had time to practice more as an adult. I can play about half of a sonatina but that’s about it now! 😄
That’s more than I can play 😅 thanks Tricia 😊
💓
Ah you make it look so easy…but so easy to read, too…must have been lovely at Wordsworth’s place…
It was unforgettable! Thanks Ain 🙏
Ah that’s nice! Well it was by studying your verse here that I was finally able to come up with something. That study brought a lot.
That’s great to hear, Ain: I look forward to reading your poem!
Ingrid your poem is beautiful and imbued with your spirit. My favorite part:
“we name our scales, with bright harmonic gleams
finger the keys, unlock the light within”
Thank you, Lisa: glad you enjoyed! 🎶
You’re welcome <3
Music and poetry are indissociable, as you just proved.
Thank you, Jane, I always thought so!
music is key to unlocking our hearts, lovely rhythm Ingrid, and great prompt!
I am also a big CK fan, we used to sing her ‘tapestry’ album around the beach campfire
Thank you Kate, glad you enjoyed this!
How delightful. Teaching this evening, but if there is more energy left in some reserved tank, I’d like to partake. Great prompt.
Thanks, K: I hope you can!
This was beautiful Ingrid! obviously inspired by your magical journey.
Thank you, Rob: very much so!
Walking out the rhythm. That sounds mind blowing. I’m going to have to try it. Lovely poem.
Thank you: do give it a try!
This is how it’s done, that pesky villanelle form. I have been mulling buying an electric piano myself of late. I used to have one, but my son took it to college with him, where it finally gave up the ghost. I am nobody’s musician, but it fascinates me that my dreams at night are often full of music. Love your poem, Ingrid, glad you are reconnecting with your music, and bonus points for Carole King!
Thank you kindly, Shay! I am very happy with the sound and versatility of my electric piano for the price.
“no song is in vain
which soars in hope.”
I think poetry and music dance well together. Lovely Villanelle.
Thank you Truedessa!
this is so awesome Ingrid and love the rhythm and the feel of your poem and can imagine your happy fingers dancing on the keys and your heart singing.. with Carol King I sooooo love! I’m also singing Happy Almost Birthday to you while the earth moves under your feet!!! 💃👏👏💃👏
Take a bow!💖
Thank you, Cindy: perhaps we are doing another duet 🎶🤗❤️💃
You do know I was thinking that right?! 🤣💖🌈🤣
Music does unlock the light–and the piano is a wonderful instrument. (K)
Thank you, Kerfe, it is wonderful to have the chance to play again!
I miss hearing my daughter play. I gave her the piano when she finally had an apartment big enough for one.
Sharp, flat these are the terms used in playing Piano. At present I’m learning keyboard, so can understand music language.This is great idea of combining music and poem together. Keep writing such poems dear Ingrid ❤️
Thank you, Jane, I will try! And enjoy your musical journey 😊
Welcome dear Ingrid ❤️
the light that’s sealed between the boundless seams
finger the keys, unlock the light within
So beautiful these lines and the entire poem feels such a lovely rhythm with a lilting lightness to it and the light that is unlocked.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊
Stunning, Ingrid. And thanks for sharing that song too!
<3
David
Always a pleasure to share some Carole King! 😊 thanks David.
A beautiful poem, Ingrid! Pairing music with poetry seems the most natural of combinations, the rhythm, energy. Keep playing / writing. You do it well.
Thank you Helen 😊
Like practicing a song, your gorgeous poem can be read again and again. ✨ Congrats on your recent purchase. I am excited for you! Piano breaks enrich the soul and the day. 🎶💖
Thank you kindly Michele 🥰🎶🙏
So, so beautifully done, Ingrid! My daughter plays the piano, so this is special. 🥰
You have set the bar very high, ma’am! 😅
How lovely! 🎹 and thank you ❤️
You are so welcome. 😊
Your marvelous poem painted with music made me think of the Olympic skater Nathan Chen, who plays piano and composes, and skated to his own composition with such feeling and expression it was breathtaking. An artist finds many outlets, as do you. Pursue your piano. I’m convinced you will excel.
That sounds marvelous! Yes, I agree that we have many ways to express our art ❤️
Beautifully done! I play the keyboard too,and used to sing…this really made me smile! 🙂
I’m glad it did! Thank you 😊
I love villanelles and I love the piano, my favorite instrument, so this a real win-win! (You’ve unlocked the key of finding the line that bears repeat!)
Thank you kindly 🎹
I love the connection of poetry and music. The meter is everything in a great piece. Glad you are enjoying your music connection once more!
Thank you Dwight!
You are welcome!
Lovely and inspiring post, Ingrid. Enjoy reconnecting with your music. <3
Thank you, Cheryl: I do and I will 🥰
Wow, wow, and wow! A lot of energy within your lines.
Thank you, Carol: I am feeling this at the moment!
A gorgeous poem, which speaks to me of inner transformation. It’s a real beauty, Ingrid! 🙏☺️
Thank you kindly, Jeff: inner transformation is right!
You’re welcome, Ingrid. Always! Ah, got it, wonderful!
Superb Ingrid.
xoxo
Thank you Gabriela 🥰
My pleasure 🌹🌸🌺
‘Unlock the light within’ – how beautifully you do that with this poem.
This is lovely. I am so glad yyou are enjoying your electric piano
Thank you Lorraine: I do, when I get the chance 😅 xx
HA me too
“And I have learned that no song is in vain
which soars in hope, above the eaves and beams
comes tumbling, cascades, begins again”
Is there more than square 1? I keep ending up there.
Mine took some time but finally came.
Such joy and rhythm in your poem. And yes, of course, poetry is music in words.
And I love Carole King!
I used to play the piano a lot, though never well, but I had lessons all through highs school. We have the baby grand piano with the chipped ivory keys that I grew up with. We haven’t had it tuned since the pandemic, but perhaps this spring. . .
That’s why I got an electric: it is so hard to get pianos tuned these days! Thanks Merril 😊
Begin again… love it
Thank you 🙏
taps tips to key…
beautifully composed Ingrid x
and hope this finds you well
Thank you Nick – pretty well, and I hope you are too x
We do unlock our own scales, wonderful line, and do we live to repeat, to not age like Dorian, or do we simply believe it in our very full lives, questions for me.
They are interesting questions, and difficult to answer!
Perhaps not meant to be answered, just simply stirred as your poem stirred me.
I love the rhythm in your poem Ingrid. I have always liked the playfulness of the villanelle and you did it justice. And I love Carole King!
I’m glad this worked for you, Constance, thank you!
Great Post!
Thank you!
Most Welcome dear friend!
I can hear those piano keys singing! Gorgeous writing, Ingrid!
Thank you Sara 😊