Christmas for the Dead
In the graveyard
with holly and mistletoe
on old oak trees
bare limbs and tinsel
a celebration past sundown
paper snowflakes on headstones
and candy cane bouquets
that can’t be eaten by those with
missing fingerbones and teeth in odd places
and no nose to redden
from the biting chill of eve
but they gather and lounge
on hills that are their final home
to proclaim the festivities are for all
and to all a goodnight
Last Winter
ice webbing
a glass floor fallen
through thudding ear drums
driving choking breaths
borrow seconds
weigh options
hold for saving graces
the cold weighing
down
down
down
give organs pause
slow the trickle of blood gone bad
vicious is the water
speaking silent thoughts
goodbyes to those
not drowning
Crack the knuckles
at the knot
Tug the jaw
leave it slack for consumption
Gulp eggs whole
Thread chicken between teeth
Strands of sticky sauce
in the corners
and globs of rice on spoons
Molars press on bones and bread
Drink the wine and wince
at the bitter in cavities
and bleeding gums
Taste saccharine
songs of ice cream melting in
momentary pleasure
Plead with paprika
stinging of soup
and hunks of potato
in the battered pheasant
On the table
slice with knives and devious eyes
pork rinds and punishment
A bulk in the chest
begging for
one more bite.
This past Thursday, Michigan students saw the first snow of the season. While it did not last long, having some snow is better than none. Last year, snow came earlier than this year, so it feels weird that there is not a lot of snow. Why am I waiting for more snow? What about snow makes it so special to see? For me, an out of state student from Colorado, I miss seeing snow so often. Yet, the reason for snow being so special to me goes beyond this reason. I see snow and music correlated together. I feel nostalgia when I see snow falling. Both snow and music have a sense of beauty and fluidity that has layers of complexity. For snow, a snowfall can start gentle and slowly heighten as it builds layers. With music, a piece can start calm and build up to the climax. The swirling of snowflakes in the air, as they fall in a gentle motion, mirrors music as musicians have the power to interpret the piece any way they want. The notes can be soft and quiet, much like the mood a snowfall gives, and it could be light and mantle in the way a piece is played.
I immediately thought of Debussy’s “The Snow is Dancing“, as quite literally the name of the piece describes snow. The structure of the piece itself captures the “dance” of snow with its shimmering effect and delicate flowing patterns of the snow falling onto the ground. The piece also has a moment, climax, where the snow grows harsher and the winds become cruel. This evokes the feeling of heavy Michigan snowfalls, as it becomes impossible to walk to class. It then quiets and calms down, however, at the end of the piece, emphasizing the delicacy and stillness of snow falling.
I die a little each day
I breathe in and out even when I cannot
bear
the silence
I think of you often
I think of us sometimes
mostly in the dark
The day feels too delicate
to suffocate beneath the weight
of your going
You’ve gone
I sometimes think
you’ll come back to me
flowers in hand
a smile on your face
and everything will be okay
Until then, I’ll die a little each day
Some of my classes are in the School of Music, on North Campus. Many students don’t appreciate the beauty and nature of North Campus. I have witnessed geese in the pond, multiple deers, and the calming sounds of the nature breeze. I especially love to go on walks during sunset hour, so I can capture pictures. This week, I am showcasing a photo I took from North Campus. With the weather dropping low, there is a cold breeze that perfectly blends with the hues of blue and yellow in the sky.
One of my favorite classical pieces, Nocturne in E flat major by Chopin, I feel captures the feelings of this picture. With the weather dropping, I feel slow and a drop in energy, especially with finals coming up. Chopin’s nocturne is sad, in my opinion, as it is yearning for something bright. For me, that brightness is the sun and warmer weather. Yet, even though I want this change, the beautiful colors of the sunset matched by the nature, makes me love the cold Fall season. The nocturne has a glow, and quiet reflection just like the sky, in this picture, itself carrying an expressive “chilled glow”.
