BIT PART

Anonymous, unavowed
This unremarkable string
Fastened in place with pegs
To the harp’s framework
No specific name or title

Beyond the one designated
Conventionally to this one
Frequency of vibration
In one among various
Tonal systems – Pinned

The name, the tone, is true
Only if the string is stretched
To one unvarying degree
Not too tense, nor too slack
That one pure perfect note

Which, plucked over and over
Soon becomes monotonous
Quite void of all interest
A bore, dull and tedious
No wonder – Look at the word

Shush, they’re about to begin
The harp gives angelic voice
Our unremarked string sings
No longer a sole monotone
Key note in the heavenly choir