Found Music
July 2 2008


These wind chimes
are a tiny satisfying extravagance.
Just think of all that wind
a responsible citizen
would set about capturing.
I imagine Rube Goldberg contraptions
of great blinking batteries
and blades, whirring and flapping,
to power TV screens
iron lungs.

While I just waste it
tinkling sweet delicate bells
— like my own private calliope
just outside the door.

Found music
that gives the wind a voice.
From the south, it’s fitful,
warning of violent storms.
From the west
steady, fresh,
a well-scrubbed gospel chorus.
While north is clear and cool,
making the bells dance and twirl
delighting in the bracing air.
To the east, there’s brooding cloud
and the wind has a menacing edge,
as the chimes flail erratically
playing manic discordant jazz.

While the weather vane creaks as it spins
finding its place;
the soloist in this orchestra of wind.