Banjo lauded in poem

Subject: Banjo lauded in poem
From: Rara Avis
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 09:55 AM

Banjos and banjo players are often a source of humor. Here's a lovely poem about banjos that I'd like to share with you.


"The Grain of Sound"
-- Robert Morgan

A banjo maker in the mountains,
when looking out for wood to carve
an instrument, will walk among
the trees and knock on trunks. He'll hit
the bark and listen for a note.
A hickory makes the brightest sound;
the poplar has a mellow ease.
But only straightest grain will keep
the purity of tone, the sought --
for depth that makes the licks sparkle.
A banjo has a shining shiver.
Its twangs will glitter like the light
on splashing water. But the face
of banjo is a drum of hide
of cow, or cat, or even skunk.
The hide will magnify the note,
the sad of honest pain, the chill
blood song, lament, confession, haunt,
as tree will sing again from root
and vein and sap and twig in wind
and cat will moan as hand plucks nerve,
picks bone and cell and gut and pricks
the heart as blood will answer blood
and love begins to knock along the grain.

Subject: RE: Banjo lauded in poem
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 12:37 PM

That is a wonderful poem. I have had it for quite some time, and have had occasion to read it at a poetry reading session at church, and also on Paltalk. \

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Banjo lauded in poem
From: Joe_F
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 06:04 PM

Ooh! Just to be able to say I knew someone with a skunkskin banjo!

Subject: RE: Banjo lauded in poem
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 07:20 AM

Pity it's not an epitaph.