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Music
Writing poetry has been a passion of mine since
the age of 12. Even in
my early efforts, I loved the challenge of
creating a rhyming pattern. Perhaps that
explains why much of my poetry has a lyrical
quality. Some people call it “musical.”
Although I do not have a background in music and
can’t sing well at all, I love the rhythm of a
well-crafted piece of writing and some of my
poems begin as a song somewhere in my
imagination. I hear the words as a melody. A
psychic medium told me once: “You are very
creative, but no one would pay you to sing.”
Sadly he was quite insightful in that regard! So
with an appreciation for beat and rhythm, I
narrate the poetry in a tone of voice that I have
been told is very soothing. I’ll let others
judge that for themselves!
I remember as a child in Grade 2 or 3, being
selected to represent our small rural school at
a central music festival. This choice did not
reflect any great talent on my part, you can be
sure. It was more a question of limited
competition at the local level! I can still see
myself waiting for my turn, sitting in a pretty
pink dress which I’m sure my parents worked hard
to afford. My knees were shaking so badly I’m
not sure how I managed to get myself to the
stage, but I do remember lamely trying to give a
rendition of “Grandfather Clock” and then
returning to my seat in a state of mortified
relief.
Mercifully, that scene was never repeated and
thereafter I seemed destined to only create the
lyrics for music. In my first year as a teacher
at Albion Heights School in Rexdale, my
highly-esteemed principal, Hilton Wilson,
approached me at the end of June with a little
request. He said, “I hear you are good with
words.... do you think you could help write a
farewell song? It’s a bit of a tradition here
when staff leave, but no one seems to be able to
get it together this year.”
I happily agreed and for the next 18 years I
directed a group of teachers in producing a
myriad of year-end performances. These musical
tributes are among my fondest memories of my
teaching days. I was really moved when a group
of my colleagues presented me with my own song
at my retirement dinner in 2006. My wonderful
team teacher, Leslie Duffy, (with whom I
co-wrote many verses over the years in less than
optimal creative conditions), had chosen my
farewell music. The staff serenaded me with
their personalized version of “You wrote the
songs.”
Another very dear principal, Dennis Crothall,
led our administration for eleven years of pure
joy. When he was eventually transferred to
another school, to the regret of everyone on our
close-knit staff, I wrote him a poem based
loosely on the beautiful song, “To Sir, With
Love” (written by Don Black and Mark London and
initially recorded by Lulu who also acted in the
film of the same name).
The following message was my personal goodbye to
Dennis, an exemplary principal and dear friend
who sadly passed away a few years ago.
How do I thank someone who’s
taken me
from brown hair through to grey,
And made me feel attractive
through several sizes on the way?
How do I thank someone who’s held my hand
in that dark valley,
Who stroked my mother’s brow
and prayed for her to rally?
How do I thank someone who’s faced with me
the surgeon’s knife;
And smuggled in pure Haagen-Dazs
to ease the pain and strife?
How do I thank someone who’s stood by me
when Cupid fled the scene,
And helped pick up the pieces
from the fabric of my dream?
How do I thank someone who’s supported me
and let my spirit sing;
Who gave his quick approval
when I wished to try my wings?
How do I thank someone who’s watched me move
through many tenant places,
And shared with me my happiness
in Shalamar’s sweet graces?
It is, perhaps, impossible for mere words to
impart
the depth of tender gratitude
I hold within my heart.
So I’ll just say “farewell” for now
May you have blessings from above,
And may good fortune smile upon you,
As I write, “To Sir, with love.”
(dedicated to the memory of Dennis Crothall)
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I remember one day in particular
during “the Dennis years” at Albion Heights. I
was in the photocopy room at lunchtime
reproducing some poetry for
The Precious Gems
Poetry Club I had founded. Dennis came into the
room, noticed what I was doing, pointed to the
pages and said, “You know, Sharon, you’re very
good at this teaching thing, but you’d be great
at THAT.” I’ll call on all my guardian angels to
help me live up to
his expectations.
As an art form, music has tremendous power to
comfort, encourage and inspire. Every morning I
start my day by listening to songs that “raise
me up”. Currently I listen to a medley of
youtube performances, including “God’s Gift To
You” written by Donna Mann and sung by Michelle
Payne, “Known Only To Him” sung by Elvis
Presley, “He Looked Beyond My Faults” by Dotty
Rambo and sung by David Phelps and “Untitled
Prayer” written and sung by Jennifer Potter.
Jennifer is a brilliant musician with whom I
have recently become acquainted. I am
excited to direct you to her website:
www.jennsound.com
I have been blessed in my life
to be surrounded by beautiful music. Please
return to my website often to read profiles
about individuals who have enriched my life
through their musical gifts. My first profile of
a "musical muse" will be posted in the near
future and will feature my wonderful friend
Laura Walker and her husband, Paul Cleckner.
I’d love to know what songs inspire the visitors
to my website. You are invited to send me an
email at . I’ll compile
a list and maybe others will be inspired by your
personal favourites. |