My High School Music Director Turns 80

BOB BURTON TURNS EIGHTY

An Acrostic Poem for my High School Choir Director

Believe it or not our maestro has reached a perfect
Octave. Each decade describes a clean sweep of his
Baton. And today, as always, we follow his lead, that subtle lift of his
Brow as he elevates us to mellifluous
Unity. That thrilling inhale! That expectation! Then that plunge into
Rhythm and melody. A crescendo opens and closes. Opens again.
Tempo moves our limbs and we become the andante and allegro.
Oh! S’Wonderful, S’Marvelous!
Nothing can stop us because nothing stops him from
Transporting all who sing, and those who hear, to a bandwidth
Up beyond the plane on which we eat our toast or brush our teeth.
Remember to start above the note and then come down to
Nail it, he tells us, the gypsy in our souls more than ready to
Sing our winged hearts out for this man. He composes more than tunes.
Even though he’s fancy free and loves to wander – bussing tourists
In the pouring rain, bobbing in a yellow raft, or basting
Ginger chicken with his Gourmet Club gang, his true self is
Harmonic Virtuoso, one who can woo both Handel and Cole Porter from
Teenagers and grownups alike. He has shaped our dominant chords for
Years and decades. We’re planning now for the Major Ninth!

Christine Hemp    June 30, 2013  Edmonds, Washington