Variations On A Theme Poem by Paul du Plessis

Statuesque in plainsong chant
The organ pedals with toes tapping
Transporting the spirit heavenwards
In rising descants
Beyond hymns ancient and modern;
Limbs splinted in rigor mortis,
Hands folded, knees bent
As dreams turn to settling dust
And sunlight shines through stained glass
On a new creature
In perfect silence
As though a saint had arrived.

Graceful in a dance of meaning
The harmonium follows the tabula
Transporting the spirit heavenwards
In rising ragas
Beyond sub-continental mystique;
Fingers pointed, limbs gliding
Hands gestured, feet squared
As the mind floats above dust
And a spotlight shines
On a new creature
In elevating cadence
As though a guru had arrived.

Singing gymnastically with joy
Drums beating with the heart
Transporting the spirit heavenwards
In rising decibels
Beyond projected screens
As bodies dance in tetanic spasm,
Hands clapped, feet stamped
With dust rising into thickening air
And strobe lighting shines
On a new creature
Amidst a burst of applause
As though a celebrity had arrived.


September 2009

After listening to the Soweto Gospel Choir in London, and then reflecting on contrasting styles of Christian music, including plainsong, classical Indian and gospel, all of which can lead the human spirit into the transforming presence of God.

The Soweto Gospel Choir concluded their performance by singing – ‘O Happy Day’