To the party
our players came
with callous hearts
and hands
to entertain

No strings as taut
No lips as tight
as those employed
that very night

Bare brows bowed
before the crowd
in earnest efforts
No smile allowed

And purist essence
of practiced ease
did slip on strings
with art released

There bold tones
laid out bravely
grabbed our hearts
good and gravely

Then and there
a weight set free
in this tormented,
and captive
melody