January 2024
Bio Note: I work in the field of statistics and live in the American Heartland. Apart from writing and reading classical poetry, I enjoy walking outside of town, drawing in graphite and colored pencil, and singing folk songs with my guitar. My long-term goal is to marry and raise a family out where I can see the stars at night. My poetry has been published in The Society of Classical Poets, Snakeskin, and The Lyric, among others.
Ode to the Cello
Fingered strings upon the cello Vibrate by the moving bow. Autumn tones in red and yellow Echo from the to and fro Through the eight-shaped box’s hollow, Out the narrow, curving holes. Oaken humming sounds must follow Movements of the bow that rolls. Violins sing high with tension, Flutes all tweet like chirping birds, Horn sounds bubble in suspension, Clarinets speak notes like words, Yet my ears prefer the cello Over winds and higher strings. None can sound as rich and mellow As the notes the cello sings!
Originally published in The Society of Classical Poets
Night Driving
You’re driving back from out of state. It’s late at night; home’s far away. Your headlights on the interstate Give fifteen feet of not quite day In blackness from the cloudy sky, From hills ahead, from hills you’ve passed. Each big, black mountain flying by Looks no different from the last. The road’s white dashes lull your mind; You sing along to stay awake With every album you can find— Night driving’s more than you can take. A sign appears that lets you know: Two hundred miles more to go.
Originally published in Snakeskin
©2024 Joshua C. Frank
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