This contest was by far the most fun to participate in because we had to write a poem after listening to a piece of music. We needed to capture whatever the music painted and write it up in a poem. So you can imagine how much I loved it. For me, music + poetry = divinity!
I had to write the poem after listening to Rhapsody in Blue. I never really liked that piece, but after listening to it like three-four times. (okay, maybe seven...) I actually began to realize it's quite a fun piece of music! Sort of.
I still prefer Beethoven and Chopin, people, so don't freak out!
Anyhow, this is the poem which was inspired by said piece:
Fantasies of the Average New Yorker
It really is a sorry situation
To live in New York without the means.
But if you’ve got the gift of an
imagination…
By Jove, the luxuries swell and teem!
Once the night blinks open its eyes,
I sweep out the door with a swish and a
bang.
I toss my head and clutch close my empty
purse
With a smug sparkle and a saucy tang.
My Monday blues are dipped in weekend gold.
And my aching feet sprout shiny silver
wings.
The air hums a jazzy, ragtime tune
And even the Empire Building dares to
swing.
You call this thing a red carpet?
I’ve got the Milky Way spread under me!
They’re whispering, “She’s friends with
Rockefeller!”
“No, I think she’s won the lottery!”
Some famous singer gave me tickets to Carnegie.
She’s won Grammys and stuff like that…
But Broadway’s
playing a special just for me –
Evita or Les Mis
… or was it Cats?
Times Square is a swarm of giant
fireflies,
Hiccupping and flashing with all the
colors in a crystal.
The flashing reminds me of those
haunting paparazzi,
And I shudder, my fine coat beginning to
bristle.
Speaking of fur coats, 5th
avenue has a sale –
Not that I need to be at all thrifty!
I might stop by Christian Dior’s for a visit
Or maybe even eat breakfast at
Tiffany’s.
And, oh, there it is! I see it just
ahead!
Home at last! My sweet Plaza suite!
With gold and glass galore, and Chanel
and champagne,
And all the world right under my feet.
The windows gleam like the eyes of a
bride,
But on the steps of the hotel I’m
trapped in a clause.
And it’s then that reality comes
creeping close
Like death on little cat paws.
My wings fall off and I take a step
back,
My fantasy is a shattered sunray.
But I gaze up at the dream with a
struggling smile
And whisper, “Someday…”
To tell you the truth, I didn't think it'd win ANYTHING. Because it's just so silly and... yeah, silly. But I'll take a 100 bucks any day, so thank you! :)
~Fiona
