By Joyce Jacobo
[Author’s Note: Based on my recent experiences with the violin, which I’ve finally managed to get tuned just right and restrung with new, better-quality strings. So, now it feels like I’m able to really start learning to play various pieces and reading the sheet music for it. It probably sounds weird, but I’ve also nicknamed my violin “Chloe.”]
It feels as if I’ve
brought home a peculiar creature
with a delicate light body
that lays along one of my arms
as I stroke its belly
in attempts to stir melodies
Most of those caresses so far
have resulted in scratchy and uneasy notes—
and the snapping of a string or two
which needed replacement
Each mistake (however)
is a learning experience
where I have begun to realize
the subtle complexity of its aspects
alongside the ways they flow
into a unified whole
On occasion I even find
a sweet sonorous tone
slips into my bow strokes
like signs of acceptance
from my new wooden companion
that someday
we might very well
make beautiful music
together
The Literary Serenity Archives 
WHAT A Beautiful ode to the violin Joyce!
💖💖
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Thank you so much, Cindy. It has been a lot of fun to learn about the violin as an instrument, and how everything works together. Within this first week of having one, I’ve wound up unstringing and restringing the chords, rearranging the wooden bridge below the finger board, and sticking back on other parts of the violin to get everything in working order, as well as figuring out how to tune the strings properly. So even just setting up everything has taught me a lot about it. Whew! ^_^ Now to actually play a few pieces…. Hah!
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I’m glad you and Chloe are getting better acquainted. 💖
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Thanks. Learning more about the violin as an instrument, in terms of its parts and how everything fits together, has been quite an experience. Until now, I’d only really seen pictures or videos of violins, rather than ever even touch one, so I keep getting impressed by how light and delicate it is.
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I’m so impressed by this Joyce. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
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Thanks! I still have a long way to go, though. ^_^
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You’ll get there soon. 💖
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Thanks. I hope to try my hand at “Grim Grinning Ghosts” very soon. It actually looks pretty straightforward.
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Cool.
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^_^
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Whenever I see one of your pieces, I always try to figure out the actual shape of the poem. What is she trying to tell us? Is there meaning in the shape of the poem (I thought it might look like a violin but I don’t see that…) or is it just how the words flow for you?
I like the bit about the sign of the creature’s acceptance when you hit a clean note. Nicely put.
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Awww, thank you for the high praise. In this instance, I was hoping to invoke some imagery of stroking a bowstring across the violin. Learning how to hold the bow has been an adventure in and of itself so far, after all. ^_^ And the violin just seems to have a mind of its own sometimes. I’m glad we’re starting to “get along” a bit better, though. Haha.
Anyway, thanks again! ^_^
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Chloe is a pretty name and fits this instrument, as does this poem— beautifully shaped, flowing like the music it inspires in you. You’ll be great together!
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Awww, thank you so much, my friend. Learning to play Chloe has been quite an experience so far, and I look forward to entertaining friends and family members with her. ^_^
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