Notation

NOTATION

 

 

What is man, that thou art

Mindful of him? Psalm 8:4

 

 

I am a single note, sounding but once

And not sustained, a transient passing tone

Too briefly audible for resonance,

One moment's quick vibration, quickly flown---

Not a suspension, bold to stand alone,

Alien and strange to the prevailing chord,

Subsiding into consonance, yet known

Distinct in selfhood---I have not explored

Some fresh key's flavor, nor can I afford

The thrusting dominant's drive to rest again   

Upon the keynote, certainty restored.

I'm one slight scratch from the Composer's pen,

   Yet by that scratch preserved forevermore,

   One part of His divine eternal score.

 

                   © 1995, Donn Taylor