The Schenkerian - December 13, 2022 at Open Mic Surgery
Channel: Poetry for Cowards
Date: 01/02/2023

The Schenkerian  
 

He analyses the work of others 
and attempts to suss out 
form and structure 
for papers 

While you walk the city 
searching from a rap party 
with a man who compares you 
to the delicate insistence of Chopin’s raindrop. 

Just like a good theorist, 
He is intrigued by us 
and offer you hypotheses 
in the comfort of your bed. 

But when the melody became too compelling 
and he didn’t understand the counterpoint, 
his theories sought to discredit the composer 
calling his key changes violent, his rhythms cruel 
so that the listened would turn off the track, or 
walk out of the concert altogether. 

And you, captivated but unsure, 
looked to a scholar to verify 
if your response to the music was right. 
Oh, no. It’s just a shame. 
You chose theory 
over practice.