These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Ballade: "The Viola"

With tones of loving music’s bliss
viola helps me navigate.
We start each practice with a kiss
in peaceful moment’s daily date.
I start with scales upon the plate
as posture, fingers hold the tone
I pause to think as wonders wait
I’ll make the solo all my own.

Viola’s quite the beauteous miss
her strings are taut at greatest rate.
I care for her as dearest sis.
The growth we share’s the honored trait.
The notes land lightly on my pate
and sink down to my very bones.
The joy in words we need not state.
I’ll make the solo all my own.

Our daily practice leads to bliss
as Miss Viola rests her weight
upon my shoulder, notes to kiss,
my thirst for music oft to slate.
The latest page, an open gate,
to frolic through the grass unknown.
The joy needs never e’er abate.
I’ll make the solo all my own.

Recital nears its final date.
My heart’s anticipation groans,
“To play the fool or stand as great,
I’ll make the solo all my own!”


by Jay O'Toole
on May 1st, 2019