On a Strange New Instrument

Written by Anonymous


I strum quiet chords in the dark, 

holding your arcus curves as though we’re welded. 

But when I tap your ribs, cold, metal, and hard, 

you let out dull gold and violet. 

Brought to my mouth and blown clear, 

I watch your final sighs in the air, 

But when I crouch my bow on your frame, 

Your scent works like resinous hair. 

I love too, to thread fingers up your ivory, through your ebony 

waves – despite the shortcomings in my melody. 

I improvise imperfectly in my expiring innocence; 

you still smile fine in the dissonance. 

And when I pluck the string of this electrical synth, 

a mid drone rises to die on the wind. 

I love pressing the switch on this particular thing; 

that is, I love to turn you on. 

And when the night’s old, the band lies down, 

and my efforts give way to repose; 

and though my arms rest around you now,

I give you back to yourself, because: 

I shall always prefer what you compose, 

than that from my control. This one’s best 

tones are of course her own. (Though I think 

she likes, too, what I from her divulged.)

Poetry exploring new and old relationships through the connection between a musician and their instrument.

Share:

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

On Key

Related Posts

Haunted

Short story that explores the feeling of being watched by ghosts.

scroll to top