Get Your Premium Membership

Poem of the Day - One New Poem a Day

Read a fantastic new poem every day. The Poem of the Day is the highest rated poem from the previous day on PoetrySoup. We use a special formula to determine the poem. A poem cannot be selected more than once as poem of the day. Also, the poem must have been posted within the past day (or so).

See also:

 Subscribe to the poem of the day and get a poem emailed to you every day.

 Unsubscribe



Sam Kauffman Avatar Sam Kauffman - LIFETIME Premium Member Sam Kauffman - Premium MemberPremium Member Send Soup Mail Go to Poets Blog Block poet from commenting on your poetry

Below is the poem of the day entitled Maestro which was written by poet Sam Kauffman.


Maestro

Maestro – 4-23-24
Dedicated to Dr. Stanley Chapple.  Co-founder of Tanglewood. Conductor of the London Philharmonic.   Head of the Music School University of Washington.  Conductor of the University of Washington Symphony Orchestra.  Beloved Professor and so much more! 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Maestro

Music flowed from his baton
Like water from his English wellspring,
Taming trills in the perfume of restless scherzos
Coaxing shy adagios into lyrical splendor
Charming sinuous rondos into sinuous symphonies
Coaxing Thalia from cobwebs into tarantellas
In tangled woods and brick paths lined with cherry trees.

Bewitching a young baton to rise
Like a cobra hypnotized in west side stories
In concert with souls of Glorianna and Appalachia’s spring
And arabesques of rodeos to fanfares voces
Riding on concertos beckoning for east to oceans west
To streets glistening in an hourly carillon cadence,
Rain showers so like the Old City’s rhythms,

He found sheltered rests beneath gothic eaves
Soaring with scores of venomous revenge,
And octaves in librettos of a butterfly’s death,
To crescendo young symphonic dreams and emeritus chords
Maestro, melodic mentor, gift and inspiration
Friend of Lenny, Ben and Aaron.

Post Comments

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 4/25/2024 3:19:00 PM
Congratulations on your POTD honour, Dearest Sam - a perfect tribute, a splendid dedication in superb vocabulary to a brilliant Maestro, who touched your life immensely - so expected from you, Sam, a great musician yourself! Love and best wishes ~
Login to Reply
Date: 4/25/2024 1:34:00 PM
Too lovely for words Sam. "Taming trills in the perfume of restless scherzos Coaxing shy adagios into lyrical splendor" - Brilliant! Congratulations on the honor of POTD! :)
Login to Reply
Date: 4/25/2024 1:15:00 PM
Wow, what an amazing and artistic tribute to Dr. Chapple. Bravissimo on a lovely POTD, Sam. Enjoy your special poetry day! :))))
Login to Reply
Date: 4/25/2024 12:42:00 PM
Congratulations on POTD Sam…..a beautiful tribute to Stanley Chapple! Debx
Login to Reply
Date: 4/25/2024 11:23:00 AM
Big congratulations Sam on the honour of POTD. Over Fork Over. Just back from my travels again. Hope you're keeping well. Tom
Login to Reply
Date: 4/25/2024 11:14:00 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. A wonderful write. Have a blessed day writing away.....................
Login to Reply
Date: 4/25/2024 8:39:00 AM
returning to congratulate, Sam, and a well-deserved POTD! What a wonderful dedication as well. Enjoy your day!
Login to Reply
Kauffman Avatar
Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/25/2024 10:57:00 AM
Oh, Sara, thank you so much! It is a gift to share this musical joy, this POTD - this poem, with you, my friend! After taking a class from Dr. Chapple I realized that music was, and always had been, my passion. That's when I became a music major ultimately combining that with an English major. Funny how life takes life changing twists and turns. Sending you blessings of joy and my gratitude!!
Date: 4/25/2024 8:38:00 AM
Congratulations on your fine tribute poem to Dr. Chapple! Enjoy your special day of recognition, Sam. Bill
Login to Reply
Date: 4/25/2024 5:36:00 AM
I knew this was a winner Sammi. Enjoy your day!
Login to Reply
Kauffman Avatar
Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/25/2024 10:53:00 AM
Thank you so much, Tom! Loved sharing this "music" with you! A POTD is a very special honor but even more special is your supportive messages and feedback! Sending you "notes" of blessings!
Date: 4/25/2024 5:13:00 AM
BIG congrats on POTD, Sam. A splendid dedication to your beloved mentor and to the art of music. Enjoy your special day today.
Login to Reply
Date: 4/25/2024 4:37:00 AM
Sam, a great poem, congratulations on POTD.
Login to Reply
Date: 4/25/2024 3:11:00 AM
What an awesome tribute poem and congratulations on potd honor!
Login to Reply
Date: 4/25/2024 2:41:00 AM
A wonderful dedication poem to an amazing Maestro Sam, word perfect. Congratulations on having received the honour of poem of the day, so well deserved. Well done! ~ Beryl
Login to Reply
Date: 4/25/2024 2:28:00 AM
I am back to say Congratulations on getting POTD which is well deserved. - Blessings, Daniel
Login to Reply
Kauffman Avatar
Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/25/2024 10:49:00 AM
Thank you so much, Daniel! A POTD is a special joy like finding that lost chord that has been haunting you! All the best music to you! Blessings!
Date: 4/25/2024 2:07:00 AM
Tremendous tribute, superb expressions and an outstanding vocabulary, merged in a symphony of unique poetic expression. Warmest congratulations on POTD, Sam
Login to Reply
Kauffman Avatar
Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/25/2024 10:46:00 AM
I am truly honored and grateful for your wonderful note of congratulations and your beautiful, and ever so thoughtful, responses to this poem, Seeker. Many thanks and much gratitude. A POTD is a very special honor and I am so happy that it came with this tribute to a man who influenced me, through his classes, to become a music major. I guess the language of music came to the surface in this poem. Thank you for sharing in my joy! Blissful "notes" of blessings to you!
Date: 4/25/2024 1:34:00 AM
- A great ode, Sam :) - (As a Norwegian I don't know much about the people you mention, sorry) - Congratulations on your p.o.t.d. :) - hugs
Login to Reply
Kauffman Avatar
Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/25/2024 10:38:00 AM
Greetings, Anne-Lise! Thank you so much for your lovely congratulations and your feedback! I am deeply honored by your feedback and by the POTD. Thought you might enjoy knowing that Dr. Chapple was born in England and conducted orchestras all over Europe. He had a mischievous sense of humor when he told us about his three best friends - Lenny, Aaron and Ben. Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copeland and Benjamin Britten. Dr. Chapple is the reason I became a music major. Hugs and blessings.
Date: 4/25/2024 1:31:00 AM
Dear Sam, many congratulations for POTD with this wonderful tribute. It’s so well written and your artistic knowledge and creative talent clearly shows. I’ve always wished that I could play an instrument especially reading a beautiful piece like this. I love, ‘ Like water from his English wellspring’ especially. So enjoyed it. Inspiring. Enjoy your celebratory day with hugs xx
Login to Reply
Kauffman Avatar
Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/25/2024 10:28:00 AM
Hi Christina! I am deeply honored by your wonderful note of congratulations for this POTD and your response - a very special honor! I am thrilled that you enjoyed this tribute and picked up on the reference to Dr. Chapple's English birth. He started conducting at age nineteen and eventually came to America. Lucky us! It was so much fun to bring in the essence of music, and my musical experiences, into this poem. Thank you for sharing in this honor with me. Sending you blessings on "notes" of gratitude! I truly hope you will follow your dream of learning to play an instrument. It's never too late!
Date: 4/25/2024 1:09:00 AM
Quite fabulous. I love the dancing lyrical nature of these words.. very much like the dots on a musical score. Well done for POTD. Cx
Login to Reply
Kauffman Avatar
Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/25/2024 10:14:00 AM
Oh, thank you so much Christopher! I am deeply honored by your congratulatory note and compliments. What a wonderful comparison of the cadence of this poem to music itself! I guess my experience as lyricist comes through in the cadence of my poetry. Are you a musician? Sending you my gratitude and "notes" of blessings!!
Date: 4/25/2024 12:41:00 AM
This is a good poem that shows the worthiness of a deserving conductor. I liked the attributes to Dr. Stanley Chapple. It definitely is a magnificent review of symphony types, styles, and memorable operas. I appreciate this read. Congratulations on POTD.
Login to Reply
Kauffman Avatar
Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/25/2024 10:01:00 AM
Hi Hilda! What a wonderful note of congratulations! Thank you! The POTD is a complete surprise and adds to the special feeling I have for this poem and for Dr. Chapple. You must be a music lover or a fellow musician as you picked up on the musical, operatic, symphonic references. Heartwarming! Sending you my heartfelt gratitude and blessings on "notes" of blessings. A POTD is a special honor!
Date: 4/24/2024 9:44:00 PM
I love how you weave with such a rich vocabulary this wonderful poem, and such a fitting tribute to your maestro friend. This is, indeed, a very well developed poem. An educational read, too. Carol Louise
Login to Reply
Kauffman Avatar
Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/25/2024 9:54:00 AM
Hi Carol Louise! Thank you so much for your lovely compliments. I was deeply inspired by Dr. Chapple's example, his classes and watching him make magic with music. I was so hoping that I could do the same with this poem. Thank you so much for your affirming words. So wonderful to hear from you! Sending you "notes" of blessings and my gratitude!!
Date: 4/24/2024 7:10:00 AM
Hello Sam, What a symphony of imagery and emotion, piecing together the magic of music with the essence of life's journey. I loved how the words evoke a sense of awe and reverence for the conductor's craft, capturing the transformative power of music to transcend boundaries and touch the soul. I also loved the way you describe the maestro's ability to coax melodies from the air is enchanting and artistic mastery. Your homage to the maestro as a mentor and inspiration is wonderful! Samthis beautiful od, e to the magic of music and the maestros who bring it to life. - Blessings, Daniel
Login to Reply
Kauffman Avatar
Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/25/2024 9:47:00 AM
Hi Daniel! Knowing that this poem spoke to the heart of another musician, and fellow poet, makes your message even more special. I am deeply grateful for your ever thoughtful feedback and your understanding of the ways music creates magic that "transcends" and transforms. So fun to share music and poetry with you on this level. Thank you ever so much. Sending "notes" of blessings to you!!
Date: 4/24/2024 5:14:00 AM
Your poem is a tribute to the maestro's legacy as a mentor, friend, and inspiration to generations of musicians. His ability to nurture 'young symphonic dreams' and breathe life into 'emeritus chords' speaks to the enduring power of music to uplift and inspire. A truly captivating and evocative tribute to the maestro and the magic of music
Login to Reply
Kauffman Avatar
Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/25/2024 9:36:00 AM
Hi SO! I am deeply grateful and honored by your wonderful words. Thank you! Dr. Chapple was such an amazing man who dedicated his life to music and to his students. He was English and started conducting at an early age. Ultimately he conducted orchestras all over Europe and finally came to the US. Craig's contest theme made me think of my encounters with Dr. Chapple and, hopefully, write a tribute that would honor this incredible man through poetry. Thank you for affirming my efforts. And I so agree, music is magic and Dr. Chapple wrapped its spell around those who listened! Sending you "notes" of blessings and my gratitude!!
Date: 4/24/2024 2:07:00 AM
Dear samszy! How profound and brilliant is this write! I love the musical diction youv used here in the most eloquent manner! So artistic and so very fitting for the theme of the prompt! You have a way with expressing using poetic techniques ensuring you leave a lyrical imrpession! I especially lovee “ Like a cobra hypnotized in west side stories In concert with souls of Glorianna and Appalachia’s spring” the cobra line is so clever and one i wish i had come up with! Music, something that i can never live without! A fave this is for me! Best wishes for the contest! Youv nailed it sweet samszy
Login to Reply
Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/25/2024 5:36:00 AM
Samszy lol
Kauffman Avatar
Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/24/2024 11:12:00 AM
Dearest Inky, I am profoundly touched by your beautiful and thoughtful words! What a lovely gift! Thank you. And I so agree with you, I cannot live without music. Had fun with the cobra line. Couldn't get the image of the snake charmer out of my mind so I gave in and included it! It was such an honor to give tribute to this amazing man of music and let our world know of his contributions! Sending you "note" of blessings, dear friend. Samzy!
Date: 4/23/2024 6:33:00 PM
You know your stuff here Sam. As I recall you are a singer/musician yourself. I have to say I just don't get the conductor thingy. I've watched many and it feels pseudo to me and pointless, though I know it's my own ignorance of music that informs my viewpoint. In any case, awesome poem
Login to Reply
Kauffman Avatar
Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/24/2024 10:23:00 AM
Hi Tom! So grateful and so appreciative of your words of compliment. Thank you. Dr. Chapple really opened my eyes to the art of orchestral conducting and ways to bring every part of the orchestra together to create the composer's vision for a piece. We would study symphonic scores, taking them apart piece by piece in order to understand the musical message and thus create a unified sound. It was quite an experience. I, also, had the experience of learning choral conducting from another amazing professor! Have had many opportunities to use what I learned from both "maestros!" I hope you continue to love and enjoy music! Thank you for letting me share my experience with these two amazing teachers with you! Blessings!!
Date: 4/23/2024 4:38:00 PM
Your poem beautifully captured the essence of what a conductor does and his passion for bringing music together. Liked these lines: Taming trills in the perfume of restless scherzos Coaxing shy adagios into lyrical splendor Charming sinuous rondos into sinuous symphonies Effective alliteration in that line. I also appreciate your use of 'musical' terms. Best wishes with the contest, Sara
Login to Reply
Kauffman Avatar
Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/24/2024 10:12:00 AM
Thank you so much, Sara, for your ever so thoughtful words. Truly Dr. Chapple's passion for music and his love for his students, and for music, has left an indelible mark on me and on so many others. Without saying a word he exemplified the essence of music, the role of the conductor and mentor. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to be influenced by this great man and his love for music. Sending you "notes" of joy and blessings!!

Previous Poems of the Day

DatePoemTitlePoetForm
Apr 25, 2024 Maestro Sam KauffmanFree verse
Apr 24, 2024 Zephyr Silent OneFree verse
Apr 23, 2024 THE PATH WELL TRAVELLED - POTD Maria WilliamsRhyme
Apr 22, 2024 A Chasmal Moment Of Grace Mystic Rose Rose Free verse
Apr 21, 2024 tied to the moon Ink EmpressSenryu
Apr 20, 2024 Relentless Chetta AcharaFree verse
Apr 19, 2024 Forgotten Field of Forever Thompson EmateFree verse
Apr 18, 2024 Other Candide DiderotFree verse
Apr 17, 2024 When Life Feels As If You Are Drowning Jeanine DejesusRhyme
Apr 16, 2024 Three Good Men Regina ElliottRhyme
Apr 15, 2024 The Waltz of Time Suzanne DelaneyOther
Apr 14, 2024 Temporary Insanity David CrandallRhyme
Apr 13, 2024 Write Andrea DietrichList
Apr 12, 2024 Whisper Speaks VolumesCouplet
Apr 11, 2024 A Decidedly Short Interview With A Black Hole Terry FloodLimerick
Apr 10, 2024 Dance Aurore SeveroCouplet
Apr 9, 2024 Spring Promise Sandra HaightSonnet
Apr 8, 2024 Blase' Life Alexis Y.Free verse
Apr 7, 2024 The Sublime in Poetry Paul WillasonFree verse
Apr 6, 2024 Carnival - POTD Victor BuhagiarDodoitsu
Apr 5, 2024 Fading Rose Christina BowringRispetto
Apr 4, 2024 In tune -POTD- Maria Fernandez-GarciaFree verse
Apr 3, 2024 Love First Joe DiminoFree verse
Apr 2, 2024 Shoreline Arthur VasoFree verse
Apr 1, 2024 The Forgotten Deborah SealeFree verse
Mar 31, 2024 I Heard The Whip-Poor-Will sing Sara KendrickFree verse
Mar 30, 2024 Feel My Love Bill BakerRhyme
Mar 29, 2024 In The Dim Light Seen Darlene De BeaulieuImagism
Mar 28, 2024 How do I write a love poem Jay NarainRhyme
Mar 27, 2024 The Tempest, Painting by Michael Cheval Di11y Da11yEkphrasis
Mar 26, 2024 Kept Cat Robert GorelickLimerick

Book: Reflection on the Important Things