The Lonely Voice*

The Lonely Voice

 

-The Heart That Moved the Score-

 

-

 

Today, I gave away my song

To all who cared to hear,

But they heard only

My rough voice,

 

And not

My hope

And fear

 

They marked the rasp

Within my throat,

 

But not the melody,

 

Though several sang

Unto themselves,

As they would

Suffer me

 

Some bars of gold I set upon

A table near the door, for I was certain

Some would read the heart that moved the score

 

When all had left,

The bars remained,

And I gave up the tear

 

That quavers in a halting voice

That sings of hope and fear.