We begin an occasional series of poems associated with works of art at Dulwich Picture Gallery.
A Lady Playing a Clavichord by Gerrit Dou
A Lady Playing a Clavichord - Gerrit Dou
Do I detect a mild surprise,
dear lady, in those languid eyes?
Oh yes, I know why you’re dismayed,
you’ve not resolved that chord you played
when I intruded. Ah! that’s better.
I thank you for your gracious letter
inviting me to come today.
Now, what would you prefer to play?
I think I see the answer there
upon the table near your chair;
a charming piece by William Byrd,
the one that you and I last heard
at Rembrandt’s place. He’d brought it back
from London. Come, let’s have a crack.
A Lady Playing a Clavichord, detail - Gerrit Dou
I see the gamba’s there all right,
resplendent in the window light -
a light that, as it shines on you,
illuminates your beauty too.
Now, when I’ve tuned the gamba’s strings
we’ll share the pleasure music brings.
I fancy, in fact I’m fairly certain,
there’s a flagon there below the curtain,
which signifies, I rather think,
that when we’re done there’s wine to drink.
You played as I came through the door
dear lady, play that chord once more;
then shall you and I together
resolve it, softly as a feather.
by Christopher Highton.
Ed. I found this poem recently in a bunch of papers. I have no recollection where it came from and have no idea who Christopher Highton, who wrote this delightful poem, is. Are you out there Chris? Does anyone know him?
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2 Comments
The poem ‘Lady playing a Clavichord’ was written by my father who died 12 days ago on 12th October 2009.
It was one of the poems in a self published book a few years ago entitled ‘Thoughts Assembling’.
He would quite time to time send in poems to various publications and occasionally they were published. This was one of them, published in the Spectator on 14th September 2002.
He must have reworked the poem as the version in the Spectator is much shorter then the above, which is identical to the version in his book which sits beside me as I write this.
Peter Highton ………..25th Oct 2009
My goodness, Peter, and you found your father’s poetry on Dulwich OnView at this sad time for you.
Did your father come to Dulwich Picture Gallery much? Did he live locally?
Its really nice that we now know the author of this lovely poem.