Let the Tension Drain in Song

by Katie Bollenbach '05

Light delicate notes drip from my tongue
Not my composing, but mine to express
A gift from the composer is emotion
Implied, hinted at, enchanted
Symbols interpreted, both lyric and stark
Are they really there, or did I imagine
Or was imagination there, for me to find
Soothing the souls, mine, composer, audience
Sweet music, passed through generations
Charged with love, mother to children
The power given almost overshadows
The simple melody that started in a mind
Long ago, unknown to me, and yet known
Intimately, through a song, short and simple
Pouring from my heart at this moment
Can it be that it means as much to me
As it must have once meant to auld composer?
Follow it carefully, yet still relax
And feel the flow, let it lead you
Let the tension drain in song

Katie Bollenbach '05 is a religion and philosophy major at Wartburg College.