Dancing Between the Spaces

The harp’s voice is sweet and harmonious

As it dances between notes and enhances other voices.

From a C major chord to a Bb minor, the sound resonates

For new ears, in surprising new tones that await the hearer.

The voice in between is so pleasingly rich 

And comforts the spirit in its newness of name, 

As in the Genesis passage with Jacob so clear, 

This musician is called to be melodiously here and there.

And God dances between the notes.

Is it a Waltz, a Dabke, a Hora, that plays so richly in our ears?

Or, is it something more spiritual which transcends such traditions, 

Some mystique, some riddle,

That even the dancer knows not who the partner is?

But what does it matter in the bigger picture for sure,

For the sound is what appears from the heavens, its seems,

And we know God is dancing in the steps, between.

The harpist travels  to new places each time, often not

Reasoned or part of some rhyme.

This wanderer has been led for some, many years

To those spaces in both places not seen by his peers, 

Which calls the traveler to listen for new sources of light 

Which give meaning within the dark lands which lie in sight,

Where the harpist wanders with hope for something more 

Of God’s wisdom in the form of the “bouncing ball” 

That dictates some pattern for the singer and dancer,

And, with the hope for assurance that harmony and rhythm 

May soon fill the spaces.

The harpist finds the path along the ridge of the mountain 

Just south of the city of the Babe born so long ago. 

Others have proceeded with all forms of the day

With maybe a cymbal, a drum or even a stringed Qanun to play.

Then comes a cave, a place of retreat, where one can really 

Release the sounds from within that come naturally 

From some inner voice, or a distant self,

Which resonate off the walls of time in a titillating style

In the festival of life and its dance between the spaces.

BP

Written after my 8th visit since 2006 to Israel/Palestine in 2012, the poem was inspired by both the playing the harmonica, a constant companion, and feeling the spirit of the land, a regular encounter.  The “harp” as it is often referred to, is not typically a solo instrument.   It’s role is to lift up the voices of others in the “chorus”.   As the new Poet Laureate, Natasha Threthewey said recently, ..”what poetry can do for us is to remind us when we feel most alone, we are not alone at all”.  I hope you feel that sense today. BP  1/3/13