We are thrilled to share a new poem with you written by our friend and local poet, Mark Pearce. Thank you Mark! (copyright 2019 Mark Pearce)
Clara (August 1856)
He’s gone, now Clara
He’s gone to the ages
‘just his symphonies to hold us
In embrace
He’s better now, Dear Clara
He’s found his rest, darling one
And we must now make our music
At a pace
It was you, Dear Clara
Who gave Robert-dear the structure
And critique of work
To fortify his score’
It was you, Dear Clara
Who stepped back, in marital blessing
To allow no shade to fall
On Schumann’s core
But you have been denied
Dearest Clara, denied of every blessing
That should come your way
And come your way some more
I will be there for you, Clara
In the task of harmonizing
For the present, for the past
And ever more
I wish I could write, Dear Clara
As tenderly as I love you
And tell all the good things for you
I will make come true
In the while, Dear Clara,
I’m reworking a theme of Robert’s
And finished, I’d very like
To dedicate to you
I’ll need assent, Dear Clara
Or I’d want it, as I require it
In composing, or conducting
Or taking breath.
In the mean, Dear Clara,
I have structured your finances
And arranged for steady income
For your rest
So you will sing, Dear Clara
Not through voice but by your keyboard
And the score and spirit
Of a woman yet fulfilled
And I would be there, Beloved Clara when
Upon that day of reckoning
We would consummate a passion
Scarce revealed
Your Beloved,
Johannes Brahms
Mark Pearce is a sixth-generation Missourian who lives in Warrensburg, MO. After a long and fascinating career with public television and public radio at the University of Central Missouri, Mark retired and began writing poetry “to ensure that his waning years would be expressive ones”! He confesses to being particularly susceptible to rhythm, development and dramatic conclusion in his works and practices a wide range of poetic styles. Organizer of the Montserrat Poetry Festival and a regular participant in the Old Drum Open Mic Series, Mark can be found on Wednesday mornings pulling weeds in the specimen garden at Turkeyfoot Prairie.