Poem 7

Canoeing on Alouette

A sensational camping trip on Alouette Lake

One breezy evening long past its dawn

I betook myself on Alouette with the paddles drawn

The dense fog around me danced like a faun

As I stretched out my torsos to yawn.

My campsite on the shore seemed not far ahead

The setting sun above the horizon was ebulliently red

I followed close as the flock of Canada goose led

Who, after a long day of searching, seemed pretty well fed.

I hear the canoe finally touched the rocky shore

I met again the cedar trees, the soldiers whom I adore

The chopped cedar was stacked together; a fire I implore

But the wet drizzling rain rendered me unsure

After the cold bagel topped with sour cream

I set up my tent as the distant stars in the night sky gleam

The night is quiet with tapping on the tent and flow of a distant stream

And soon, the never-ending rain allowed me to dream.

Poem 6

Ode to My Clarinet

An ode that illustrates my career as a clarinetist

Hours after hours of practice

Making sounds that are polished pearls

Connected by a thin string made up of

Accelerando, arpeggios, and articulation

O, what wonderful colours you have!

Measures after measures of music

Playing with deep emotions that flow

Sometimes, the stream in the green meadow on a sunny day

Other time, the ruthless ocean during a thunderstorm

O, what diverse sentiments you convey!

Days after days as time passes

Never failing to sooth the heart and the soul

Inspiring in a way that builds and constructs

Confidence, courage, pride, and esteem

O, what comfort you provide!

Rehearsals after rehearsals with the full orchestra

Stepping onto the stage of the world famous Carnegie Hall

Performing in front of a full house audience, the cadenza

In Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underwood Overture

O, what memorable experiences you bring!