in symphony hall

in trochaic tetrameter
imitation of longfellow
is the poem about kullervo
taken from the kalevala

and the singers trying mightily
to fill the hall with manly voices
far from mighty great-sea water
create sounds of pure abstraction

clash of cymbals tap of triangle
noted under the orchestral
and tremendous finnish music
music written by sibelius

while one singer quietly waiting
for the cue to stand and belt out
words beyond his understanding
crosses legs and reads a novel

i the poet simply listen
listen to the stirring music
watch the overwrought conductor
sweating singing to the music

and the audience enraptured
by the power of purified passion
passion that promotes a nation
in the words of rustic language

bursts into prolonged clapping
calls back singers and conductor
cheers the end of the long season
hails the coming of new summer