It is inanimate, a piece of wood
Fashioned, glued, with strings
Tightly strung from scroll
To tail-gut. It is taut, stable
In tension, vibrant, nervous
But still, until I take it in my hands
And give it life. It takes
My soul and is more truly me
Than voice, or laugh, or kiss,
Or even knees bent in prayer.

2024 Jacqueline Jackson

Illinois Times has provided readers with independent journalism for almost 50 years, from news and politics to arts and culture.

Your support will help cover the costs of editorial content published each week. Without local news organizations, we would be less informed about the issues that affect our community..

Click here to show your support for community journalism.

Got something to say?

Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print!

Comments (0)
Add a Comment