His deep, compelling voice breaks the silence,
Provoking thoughts clear as a ringing bell,
His words echoing the trumpet’s brilliance,
The voices of the strings begin to swell.

The bass drum keeps an unfaltering beat,
Binding the poem’s distinctive meter,
The words are spoken in an accent sweet,
Pulsing rhythm is their steadfast leader.

But alas, the footlights have fallen dark,
His deep, compelling voice is silent now,
The orchestra has left its treasured mark,
The lonesome poet takes his final bow.

But tomorrow is yet another day,
Another chance to light the dark pathway.