The Kora
Twenty one strings set me spinning,
not so much dancing as joyously traversing
a melodious harmony.
My hips embrace a rhythm foreign,
my smile soars into the clouds,
floats back to me - younger, happier, more carefree.
I dip my finger into the pond,
strum lightly its still surface,
wake it up. Realize life can be simple -
it all depends upon the tune I hum.
by Margaret Bednar, January 3, 2014
This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Music with Marian". Our inspiration today is listen to two of Africa's most distinguished musicians, the late guitarist Ali Farka Toure and kora player Toumani Diabate and write a poem…
I alway love a bass (my son plays upright and guitar) as well as guitar (he plays that as well) but I was rather intrigued by the kora - a 21 string bridge-harp. The sound makes me happy.
18 comments:
I'm just as intrigued by the kora, the first instance of seeing it strummed. Love the medley of guitar sounds and your wonderful descriptive offering. Nicely wrapped Marge!
Hank
Keep humming, Margaret!
often it does depend on the song we decide to sing...the one we allow on repeat in our heart...pretty cool strumming the surface of the pond...and music that makes you feel young...
The humming and the touching and the delight!
This feels so joyful! I love it!
I love the waking up of the pond!
"it all depends on the tune I hum"...so true. I love the finger strum of the pond
We need these reminders, don't we? To keep it simple. And keep dancing. Very nice.
Love where the inspiration took you. Maybe I should add that to my list of goals for the year. To dance more, dancing makes you smile.
nice! it does all depend. i like the image of dragging a finger in the pond... which is quite frozen over here at this time of year. :)
Movement ~~~ What it's all about.
love the way the poem moves with the music .. music affects the soul.. most times in a good way... hum away Margaret if it makes you smile...
I dip my finger into the pond,
strum lightly its still surface,
wake it up. Realize life can be simple -
Beautiful Margaret. I love Ali Farka and have a couple of his recordings.
Life can be simple and fun, its just depends on the tune you are humming ~ Good one Margaret ~ Happy weekend ~
That third stanza is ideal!!!
I bet your son could play the kora, especially knowing how it affects you, Margaret. Let us know when he gets one. :)
I love the description of the finger dipped in water - such an unique metaphor for the sound of the kora.
I also love the sound of the kora. I have several CD of Ali Farka Toure and other Griots from West Africa – wonderful music. Will your son play the kora?
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