for all the busy people
that’s when I hope you remember
the skylark, not so much the bird,
though that, too—how it sings
even while being chased by hunters,
though it increases its chances
of being caught.
But more, I hope you will think
of Johnny Mercer who struggled
a year to write the words
to the tune by Hoagy Carmichael.
By the time he finished Skylark,
Carmichael had forgotten
all about the song.
Sometimes, it takes a long,
long time before the words
come out right. Sometimes,
the moment just isn’t ripe. Sometimes
there’s just too much to do.
But perhaps amidst the meetings
and the plans, a snatch of song
will come to you, something
that won’t be ignored.
Perhaps between the papers
and the rush, you will feel it,
winging. Perhaps, as you fly off
toward the always what’s next,
you won’t stop yourself
from singing.
