The Youth Orchestra

They cannot fail,

These young musicians,

No heckling critic will weigh their work.

No one will tell them of the lapse in bowing,

Of the wrong note played,

Of the drumbeat out of sync.

They will be applauded, pushed along,

Given courage to resume their lessons.

Their teacher, underpaid, overworked,

Has nobly led the youthful corps.

--November 13, 2013