literature

The Cello's Lament

Deviation Actions

Daily Deviation

Daily Deviation

May 26, 2017
The Cello's Lament by HaveTales-WillTell
Featured by doughboycafe
Suggested by xlntwtch
HaveTales-WillTell's avatar
Published:
5K Views

Literature Text

They call me brute.
I'm permitted to chant,
   but they won't let me Sing.

They've confused non-agility for
   inflexibility—
        my belly enfolds the earth;
        my throat trills at the stars;
        my eyes embrace the cays
           of the sea.

I am an omnivore,
   yet they will only feed me leaves.
:icontransliterations: Written for #transliterations' prompt 11: Timbre.

:hmm: I loved the sound of the cello; still do. But when I began playing it back in middle school, it seemed that the violins and violas always carried the melody, while we were stuck with the harmony. (It was even worse for the double basses: very often, all they were ever offered was a pizzicato plucking rhythm.)

:saddummy: I was disillusioned to the point of quitting; it took the college discovery of soloists such as Yo-Yo Ma to rekindle my enthusiasm. I never did start playing again, but at least I can enjoy listening with no remorse. Or at least — glances upward — not much.

:music: The title, as usual, holds a dual meaning: a lament is both an expression of sorrow or regret, and a mourning song similar to a dirge. The cello's depth and range makes it the perfect instrument for such a piece: [link] [link]

In addition, the 'cay of the sea' is the tenor clef, one of the cello's musical signatures.* There are other references as well, but far be it from me to spoil all your fun.

*The bass, or F-clef, is far more common. But calling it the effin' sea would've taken the piece off-message; it's possible to be too clever.

Update, as of Dec. 12: :omfg: My first ever DLD! [link]
© 2011 - 2024 HaveTales-WillTell
Comments102
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
MissAddledMiss's avatar
I liked how you illustrated sounds as images in this piece. You demonstrate the the Cello's power and depth by evoking really powerful images like the sea. The Cello is a rather underutilized instrument compared to it's smaller cousins. I love it's deep resonant sound which can be slightly melancholic but can also show off a beautiful range of emotions.

Congrats on the DD!