Mathematics could write a song
and it would be perfect
in its symmetry and timing

The computer that sings it
each interval correct to the nearest
hundredth of a note
could even be programmed I suppose
with splices of random code
to dance seemly free and non-repeating
to a trumpet solo or fiddle

But this song, perfect on a page
could not make a boy fall in love
with Rosalita, as she dangles from a cliff

Losing her grip each time the sax
dissolves the refrain
into one more chance
to reach for her hand

I sometimes share the hope that what is human is unique, heartfelt, pure of the analytic thrust of that most human of all invventions: mathematics. I like your poem, even if I am lead to wonder about the purity of mathematics on another scale.

good piece, Aaron.

Peter

Bravissimo, aaron! I find this to be particularly excellent.

Mary

Well done, Aaron. The human spirit is what makes life so wonderful. Technology and mathematics are useful but are no substitutes for humanity.

Joe

Thank you Peter, Mary, joe, for you comments.

This poem came out of many attempts at writing songs. Some using a mathematical approach, which is not really wrong, and produces a very nice and clean song. It just lacks any real emotion, which good music must have.

The answer, like most things is somewhere in the middle.

Cheers,

aaron

message to follow

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/17/2010 03:01AM by les712.

Aaron, I feel the same way about computer generated music. It simply doesn't have that analog mystery, which some people call "soul" or feeling. A fine read here.

Les

But this song, perfect on a page
could not make a boy fall in love
with Rosalita, as she dangles from a cliff

Losing her grip each time the sax
dissolves the refrain
into one more chance
to reach for her hand


Most often people comment on someone's ability to say much in few words, but with this poem, I'm amazed by how two stanzas can pack such a punch.

Mary

bump for the golden mean and the golden proportion. May Pythagoras never fail.