The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine

 [Princeton University ~ 11.02.2024]

Hands float over the frozen grounds of Princeton University,

New Jersey,

As Ukraine echoes through the elegance of

An orchestra.

Cellos chase memories of home -

Vibrating through violins,

Polished and glowing as though glittery,

Tear-stained eyes - 

Arise

From the unbearable weight of being,

Of seeing war -

Now written into the parchment at 

Princeton.

The pianists dramatic dance

Pirouettes into time -

A sporadic symphony

Sings to the collective

 Conservatory 

Conscience -

Whom cry into a fighting flute,

Battling against the brilliance of the 

Double bass -

Soothed by a vibraphone,

Terrified by a trumpet

That promises poetic peace -

Ricocheting release;

Magnificent melancholy

Internationally rising from across

The sea

In harmonious solidarity

With Ukraine.

A pledge signed 

Whilst Princeton dined

On orchestral opulence. 

Magical melodies swim through

The manicured instruments 

To insist 

That hope remains 

Afloat;

Gently hovering in the artistic air,

Composed within cumulus clouds

Above the clarinet.

The piano installed peril 

Is suffocated 

By the symphonic sounds

Of uniformed soujourners.

Delicate and disheveled dreams,

Once displaced,

Remain

In the unwritten refrain

Of the National Symphony Orchestra of

Ukraine.