After talking with B today about all the cousins at the zoo I was wanting to write a little poem. I realize that to all parties involved it may seem a bit idealistic, and i know you all work very hard, but I was feeling somewhat sentimental about the thought of all the cousins growing up and how I remember when I was little and we went on trips with cousins. It is so weird how all the cliches are true. "It feels like yesterday," "It goes by so fast", etc. etc. Anyways, here is a not too involved nostalgic, imagined prediction of what they might remember later on.

"The Zoo"

Little feet pitter through puddles
padder through fountains
sun blazes touch sweet faces,
Daddy's kisses dissolve on chunky cheeks
and little ones make their watery stamp
on Mom's dry clothes.
Soaked through, teeth chattering
they weave through a sea of faces
oblivious to them all,
while pruned hands fist soggy graham crackers.

I remember distantly
the freedom of water-logged britches,
worry free snacking;
sweet security of childhood.

Here is another something I worked up a couple weeks ago.

"Writing"

I

I hold shoulder up to my neck
balance all the things
I can't feel

I skim the surface
Move at rapid pace
because if I were to

Stop

What would be there to greet
those chambers low
untouched places
full of doubt.

It only takes a crack
to weaken the dam and then

It bursts.

II

When my mind gives way to the words
my hand to the pen
I am never so alone as then.

When I burrow in my brain
a deprived muse
I set a fire
as to a fuse

Blazing, burning
thickening smoke
questions I wish I never spoke.

III

Then fiery flames
and rushing tides of hidden worlds
flood and singe
private barracks
where I had put
frightening pieces
when they seemed pointless.

Choking smoke
and coughing water
they start to breathe again
the words I killed
when I was afraid of the ballast in my life.

Regarding Henry

Well, my little chunk nephew was born last wed...and what a boy. Weighing in at 10 lbs. he came into this world with a vengeance. I can't believe how much i love my little nieces and nephews, and every time there is another my heart gets a little bigger. Hopefully that means I will be able to love my own kids as much. H. is so squishable...I could just kick him.
In other news I failed, I mean failed, an ear training test today. I was literally getting dizzy looking at my staff paper, trying to hear inverted chords and cadences and then, yea right, notating them like the genius musician I am. I caught myself holding my breath during the test...the walls closing in crushing me with chords and intervals...My teacher who is very matter of fact said that I was not alone in my horrific grade and I just have to practice. "But I practice every day!" I said. "Well," said he, "you'll just have to practice more." In spite of that infuriating response, he is one of the best teachers I have ever had and I am thankful for his no nonsense most of the time.
On the upside, I found out that I got the Messiah solo I wanted. It is the soprano solo for the "He Shall Feed His Flock" portion. I am super excited. It will be different than most things I have done, mostly because it will be a full orchestra! Here is a link to someone far greater than me performing it...It is a two part. first alto, then soprano (me.) You should listen to this youtube clip...it is quite beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5jeelU1Vb4