The Bible says that Gabriel blew a horn
And just so was the old tradition born.
Then John on Patmos said the trumpet sound
Will wake the dead and everyone rebound.
The troops of Charlemagne heard trumpet's blast
And charged ahead , triumphant to the last.
The trumpeter of Krakow in his tower
Inspired soldiers to their finest hour.
And in our Civil War the trumpet called
To action tired armies that were stalled.
While reveille an taps enclosed the day,
Early and late the bugle had its say.
In modern times the trumpet had a spurt
Of popularity, so James and Hirt
Armstrong, Marsalis, Miles and Dizzy
All kept the music headlines extra busy.
The instrument's the same since it was born,
Three small valves, a mouthpiece and a horn.
The players change, however, and they play
With stirring moving power every day.
So if you play the trumpet, play it strong
You can make sweet music all day long,
Brightening and entertaining all
Who listen gladly to your trumpet's call.
Dear Larry,
ReplyDeleteToday I stumbled into your blog (from a link in my e-mail account) only to find this delightful and history referenced rhyme. It seems to me that public school band teachers should have it to read before a practice session. May I refer it to our grandson who can take it with him to his band practice at Gordon Russell Middle School in Gresham? Although we missed hearing their holiday concert, where our grandson is a drummer, it was reported to be a fine effort. Best wishes for more great poetry, Zora Belle