“Just like that tune,
Simple and clear,
I’ve come to hear
New music—
Breaking my heart,
Op’ning a door,
Changing the world!
New music!
I’ll
Hear it forevermore!”
Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens
Was the mockingbird mocking me
as he sang so urgently in the tree?
I awakened from a dream
he seemed haunted,
or was it me?
taunted by a world in change
everything upside down and rearranged
hearing new music in the air
wondering why it’s everywhere–
the sound of marching feet,
syncopated beats, ragged rhythm of the street,
the sound of hate and guns and bombs
oh, merely percussive runs, my darling ones
new music, forevermore
the constant hum of waves, their roar
as islands sink beneath the sea
perhaps the mockingbird sings a ragtime rhythm of nevermore
and the world weeps for what’s now in store–
yet, as I turn from song back to sleep
and wonder what the day will reap–
both dawn and dusk share radiant color and diffused light
but we must determine which we want, and what is right
if the sun will rise or set hereafter
on the sound of birds and bees and laughter
Another much-needed poetry break. I was awakened by a mockingbird last night and listened to it sing. Then I read the news and listened to a bit of Ragtime in the car this morning (gym break!). So, this is what happened.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Mockingbirds are full of wonderful songs. Perfect for that place between sleep and awake. (K)
Thank you, Kerfe. Yes, that was it–more in-between. Don’t you feel like we’re living in an in-between era right now?
Oh yes, you are absolutely right.
Can’t hear mockingbird without thinking of Whitman! And Ragtime is one of my favorite musicals, especially the music! Thanks for this!
Thanks so much, Luanne! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
I love Ragtime, too.
I’ve taught the novel several times, alongside The Handmaid’s Tale. What seemed like serendipity might not be that any longer.
Let’s have birdsong and not the rattle of automatic gunfire! Lovely words, Merril 🙂
Thank you, Jane! 🙂
🙂
Does “Ragtime” have some of Scott Joplin’s music in it? I used to love when our orchestra in high school played his music. Of course, “The Sting” will remain one of my favorite films due to the clever insertion of Joplin into the plot.
I like your inclusion of “percussive runs” and the “syncopated beats” in your descriptive poem. I know exactly how these sound. Not positive in this poem, as the sound of feet marching aren’t either.
Islands sinking, as well as other negative outcomes to the recent choice Trump has made, “pains” me. The hurts and damage are nearly irreparable, so far.
Just think not even six months later of all that has happened. Yet you end, so lovely in the rhyme of hereafter and laughter! Birds, bees and laughter take some of the sting away. Thanks for this, Merril.
Thank you for your detailed comment, Robin!
Ragtime has some ragtime style music. It’s based on Doctorow’s novel. Your library probably has the CDs. One summer, I listened to it over and over again.
Beautiful poem 😍. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful piece of writing.
Thank you for reading and for leaving such a lovely comment! 🙂