And Then One Day I Sang A Song

I wrote this poem almost eight years following, and really as a response to, the previous poem, "Expression." This poem is about how I communicate emotion through singing. It's not about the words I sing, just pure emotional expression.

And Then One Day I Sang A Song

And then one day I sang a song

When it rose and fell, it brought me along

I felt its pain, touched its sorrow

It gave me something I had to borrow.

It gave me new voice; It gave me a choice;

It gave me a way to cry out and rejoice.

For a few moments I borrowed its power.

For a few moments I basked in this shower.

I could express! I could tell my story!

I could express through my voice my soul’s utmost glory!

For years before

I had used my voice

Picking each word

And hating each choice.

In different words, through a different façade,

I told the world how I felt about God.

I told the world how I felt about me.

I told the world what I wish'd there could be.

I finally cried about my broken heart.

I finally screamed about my unseen part.

I couldn’t contain this explosion within!

I didn’t have to--I didn't have to hold it in!

So I let it out! I just let it soar out!

I opened my mouth and let my whole heart out!

And my entire being sighed, and released.

It completely let go all that aching and grief.

And I felt lighter, and brighter, and firm and free.

I no longer cared what happened to me.

Because I felt peace. I calmed my sea.

For once I saw what I never could see.

That I can be healed--but I have to allow it.

Being tough’s not the way to go about it.

Holding it in didn't make me a saint,

Nor make me feel strong--it made me feel feint.

I became over-full, and when bumped, I spilled over

I struggled with balance, and soon- turned colder.

So I finished my song,

And I looked at my soul,

And I knew I was new,

I knew I was strong.

So I'll sing out my hurts, whenever I need

They accumulate quickly, but I can proceed.

For I have found a way to truly express;

There is a way to completely address

My own confusion, my love, and my pain.

No longer expression can ever I blame.

~Tricia Foster December 2010