Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”
rarely fails
to shine his eyes
though he is not a man
    to shed tears easily

apparently
the harmonies
touch strong emotions
   spawn deep dreams

this time
the power of music
graces momentous acts

Europe is growing
75 million people are joining
decades of separation
are beginning to end

he looks at mediated images
of exultation across the latitudes
   fireworks  songs  speeches
   fears and hopes

and wishes
   wildly
      almost desperately
to believe
these are the right steps
in the right direction

             * *