Poetry Pleases: Couplets In C Minor
Does a conductor really control an orchestra? Mike Eastwood expresses doubts in this poem which rattles along with an irresistible rhythm.
It always seems dark down there in the pit
Where members of the orchestra sit
Whilst up on the stage the lights are so bright
As the audience prepare for a wonderful night
The baton is lifted, the string section hums
Soon to be followed by a roll on the drums
Harp strings are plucked and the piano joins in
The clarinettist blows on a reed that’s so thin
The brass section blow through mouthpieces worn
The trumpets, the trombones and fancy French horn
Whilst right at the back, the percussionist sits
Banging and clanging and pulling his bits
Oboes and flutes are brought into the fray
Whilst cellos and basses are soon to hold sway
But in front of it all, in charge for the night
The conductor stands proud with baton of white
If he gets the wrong beat will it alter it all
Or are those musicians just having a ball
Do they take any notice of him standing there
I think that they don’t. They haven’t a care
They will play on regardless, just having fun
Til’ the music runs out and they know it is done
