The Pianist and His Cantor

by Megan Willome

Here is how this will go: Shorten the stirrups.

Buckle the saddle. Hold on with your knees.

First verse: canter. Second, gallop.

Third, slow the notes to a fine, brisk trot.

I will follow your lead although you

are to ride this hymn exactly as I say.

Anticipate the music – where it will be

not where it is. Half a turn, please.

If you fall, hurry back up. Do not dawdle.

Though I am no horse and you are no boy

together we travel north, note by note.

Too long we dwelt mute, beside ourselves.

You had no idea who I was.

Even less, singing foal, who you are.

---

Megan Willome is the author of "Love and other Mysteries," a poetry collection inspired by Song of Solomon and the Mysteries of the Rosary. She has also written "The Joy of Poetry," a memoir, and "Rainbow Crow," a picture book. Her day is incomplete without poetry, tea, a song, and a walk in the dark.