THE Pianist

New Zealand Listener, Volume 5, Issue 124, 7 November 1941, Page 10

THE Pianist

WHAT a cataract of sound Breaks upon the listening air, Like a rushing river bound Seaward from its mountain lair, As his fingers from the keys Draw the rhythmic harmonies, Is he dreaming as his fingers Chase each other o’er the keys? Some past scene in life that lingers Paralleling melodies?. Has a fancy seized his brain That has come to life again? B4z! His dream has come and gone Long before he ever came Winging earthward. It has shone Above him as a living flame Long before this final night As he now appears to sight. EE! His face is set and stern, Concentration binds him fast; Workmanly his muscles burn With accomplishment at last. Close your eyes and listen! Lol His dream is manifested now, %* * * ACH according to his kind Listening, dreams of what he knows. He of simple country mind eerie — — LL

Views with pride his herd of cows; Sees the milk within the pail, Knows his profits cannot fail. ERE, a man with gleaming collar, Sleek of hair and face of brassHe is dreaming of a dollar That never from his fist shall pass Till it change and change again In a never-ending chain. ERE the Critic plies his trade, Dreamless, practical, unbent, So his "article’ home-made May his editor content. If he ever dreams at all *Tis outside the concert-hall, ONDER leans the poet dreaming, Rapt, expressionless, im-moulded; While his fairy mind outstreaming Sees his golden dream unfolded Like a tale before his eyes, Beckoning from Paradise. * * * O the pianist at his task Casts a spell upon the minds Of all who list. Despite his mask, Our thoughts are gone upon the winds! He, a Messenger Heav’n sent Fills our minds with sweet content.

H. E.

Gunter