4'33

constructive criticism always welcome

John Cage once did a music piece called 4’33.
He never knew neither you, nor me,
But I guess he was doing it for us.
He must have had in mind this thick oil paint
That fell on the ground when you drew,
Its heavy sound that swallowed your restless breathing
And the stroke of brush going up and down the canvas.
He must have had in mind that clicking
Of traffic lights changing when we are standing
At opposite ends of the street.
Each click coming later than the previous.
Then the sound of frantically opened doors,
stripped clothes, thrown shoes:
thunder stuck to the walls with a string of moans.
He never knew neither you, nor me,
But I guess he imagined us walking over autumn leaves
And he knew the sound of silence when we stop to kiss
And the sound of running through the autumn,
To fall into pack of leaves. Two nihilistic kids.
He must have had in mind you zipping up my jacket
On a winter day when my hands were freezing
And the snow crunched under us
And I guess he wanted to play your rhythmic nailing
Of our first bed
And my scattered steps around you with a lack of patience.
And for sure, he meant that giggle over whistling coffee
That was never taken off the oven when ready
And sang to cover our naked bodies.
John Cage once did a music piece called 4’33
And I know, he never knew neither you, nor me,
But I fear he was doing it for us.
I suppose he had used violins,
Because of the inevitable breaking of strings
And the heavy fall of a curtain
That replaced the clicking of traffic lights
Red. Yellow. Run.
Future autumns are covered in silence.

and perhaps his music is over

when around us

remains only out-of-tune

noise.

 

Reviews

[Chris]

I went looking for darkness... and tasted melancholy

[krish]

hey...i likd
bt ccan u more elaborate about 4''33........

[Marri]

it's a music piece in which the pianist sits in front of the piano for 4''33 and doesn't touch the keys. All the sounds around and the lack of them are considered the music, the value of silence

[krish]

ok.......so ...do u like piano.......?

[Kenneth The Poet]

Great piece.

[Lilly Negoi]

this is an excellent piece of poetry and lesson of life. and i think Cage would be proud of you and feel flattered!

[Marri]

Thank you! I will return the time, patience and enthusiasm to read your work,too.

[Lilly Negoi]

i'd be delighted to have your eyes on my page - however, it is your merit that draw my attention here :)

[FJ Davis]

Don't know Cage or any of his music. (Though, I have, many times, witnessed his form of fighting.)
Very much enjoyed the number you just played, however.
Impressive poetry, Marri!

[Marri]

Thank you! I am honoured!

[Ken Simm.]

Cage and romance, whatever next. But it fits. It tells a story. It tells a story exceptionally well. full of subtle and telling nuances. Grief I sound like some comment on a dust cover. But at least I am honest. A remarkable piece.

[Marri]

Thank you! Both your honesty and your reviews are highly appreciated!

[Circe]

wow, interesting piece... it seems we overlook sounds within the silence as much as space in the empty space.. you have designed a unique concept.. this scene is lucid, it's moving, you can hear it, you open the senses and awareness.. break down music to the smallest particles and that is in everything we live. wonderful writing.

[Marri]

Thank you so much! I also thought Cage's concept is provocative and wanted to write something about it, didn't expect that it will get also some romantic nuances...Thank you!