In Memoriam, Will Barber Poem by Robert Charles Howard

How can it be that crusty old Will
has left the present tense?

But this like every other truth
requires no mark from us
and so we remember as we can.

Music coursed like rivers
through the arteries of his psyche
cleansing and enriching himself and us
with songs full graced and promised.

But like all of yesterday’s tunes,
scribed in ancient scores,
we trace our fingers over the lyrics
and move our lips in time with
the pounding of his heart.

November,2010

Here is a poem that Will wrote in honor of PH poet, Sandra Fowler:

A Hymn of Praise

The keys and staves demark strait paths
The restless note must travel on;
The note's the beast that carries
The burden of the sound.

Music evokes a sympathy
In willing heart, the symbol of
A presence, constantly descending,
White wings of endless love.

2006

To Sandra