Lent 2

Practicing Schubert's ‘Ave Maria’

Hello, Poetry Friend

I was not scheduled to cantor on the second Sunday of Lent, but my music director, who is also my voice teacher, needed a sub. I raised my hand with a text. But then her plans fell through, along with the pianist who was supposed to play for her, so in the end, we just sang together.

We’ve done this before, several times, for different kinds of services. I always feel like an understudy, but she always always trusts me to hold the melody while she veers off in high and low harmonies, both written and improvised on the spot.

Each week, whether I sing or not (I usually sing), I write a poem to accompany the psalm. This week was Psalm 33. What I had written didn’t really fit, and I got a new idea from Poet Jesus, so this poem was suddenly unattached.

I hereby attach it.

Lent can be scary, y’all. Lean in.

Practicing Schubert's ‘Ave Maria’

“She looks at me, and says, ‘I’m scared.’”
	– Callie Feyen, Tell Me a Story That’s True, December 5, 2023

Voice Teacher: Why are you scared?
Megan: I just am. I’m shy.
Voice Teacher: It’s me. I’m not scary.
Megan: I’m still scared.
Voice Teacher: What do you think is gonna happen?
Megan: [    ]
Voice Teacher: Don’t cry. What is it?
Megan: I have a therapist to talk about this stuff with. Just tell me again what I need to do.
Voice Teacher: Breathe. You need more breath support.
Megan: [nods furiously]
Voice Teacher: And you need to let go of control.
Megan: It doesn’t feel like control.
Voice Teacher: What does it feel like?
Megan: I think it would be easier to stroll out there naked. 
Voice Teacher: It’s vulnerable when we share our voice. We feel naked.
Megan: Okay, let’s run it again.
Voice Teacher: Do you want me to pray for you?
Megan: Yes. No. Not now. Give me the Bb.
Voice Teacher: [doesn’t play it]
Megan: What?
Voice Teacher: When I go to the chapel and pray, it’s good, but I feel closest to God when I sing. I bet you’re the same way.
Megan: [one deep nod]
Voice Teacher: [plays the Bb] Okay, from the top.

Happy poeming!

Megan