Poetry and Piano

SOUND and written word; two abstract concepts, but hidden are many underlying similarities. Like the hybrid pluot (mix of a plum and apricot), taking two different fruits and finding a delightful product by intertwining them.

To appreciate the similarities, we must first consider the differences. The piano is a musical instrument that unlike poetry, is tangible. You can touch and feel the cool keys as your hands glide over them as well as feel the resisting pressure as you press the peddle under your foot. Poetry on the other hand, while capable of being seen, you cannot touch the words themselves. Who of you can say what the word that feels like?

The piano is also a harmonious instrument that is often accompanied by another instrument or even several different types. A whole orchestra can play, but if you listen closely the piano is still distinguishable. On the other hand, try having two people read two different poems at the same time. The task in itself is easy to do, but what you hear is not a harmonious melody, but a jumble of words that produce a confusing effect on the listener.

Poetry and pianos are similar though, in that they contain a rhythm. Although, a poet won’t sing his poem, an affluent reader can make his words vivid and smoothly transition between lines and stanzas, creating a music-like effect. In reading a poem it is important to capture the pace, intensity, and meaning of what the poet is trying to convey. Piano songs also contain a structured rhythm indicated after the clef on the music sheet from which you play. Often, you’ll even find yourself subconsciously tapping your foot to the rhythm of the song. The rhythm is the backbone to a song or poem and directs the flow and attitude.

And obvious similarity, is that it takes somebody to write a poem or play the piano. A fact often unnoticed and unappreciated is that every song or poem created came from some person’s imagination. It takes a person’s hand to write down a word or strike a key and this combined with my previous statement on imagination leads to my next similarity.

Having so many words and musical notes to pick from, the outcome of each person’s creativity results in something completely different from the next person. One person motivated by sadness my create a more slow, somber, and melancholy piece. A person overwhelmed by happiness may create a faster, upbeat song or poem. It all depends on time, emotion and vastness of vocabulary (in the case of a piano creativity with different keys and chords). The product of each person’s imagination is almost endless.

Both poems and songs are just scribbles on paper unless you have someone to bring them to life. They are similar in the respect that both poetry and sheet music can be read.