The Music of Being: a poem by Royal Rhodes

a kilt, image by K Mitch Hodge, on Unsplash, modified

The Music of Being

Do you remember the summer evening

we sat on the grassy slope

of the outdoor arena,

and wondered where the musicians were,

since no orchestra was

in the performance space?

But then from the pine forest we faced

more than thirty kilted pipers

slow-stepped from the trees

to the sound of "Amazing Grace"

which we heard as if

for the very first time.

We both sensed in that quick moment

the listening universe

was defining itself for us

about the power that sustains

the sun and every other star.

_________________________

Royal Rhodes is a poet whose work has appeared in various literary journals. He lives now in a small village, close to a nature conservancy, green cemetery, and Amish farms.

(April 2026 issue)