Pianist’s Villanelle #poetry #dVerse

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!

102 thoughts on “Pianist’s Villanelle #poetry #dVerse

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  1. 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. 🌼🌼💕

    1. “Finger the keys, unlock the light within”

      Rhthym and light shine through your words

      Much love…

  2. 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!

      1. 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! 😄

      1. 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.

  3. 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”

  4. 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

  5. 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!

  6. 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!💖

  7. 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 ❤️

  8. 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.

  9. 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. 🎶💖

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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. . .

  13. 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.

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