A crisp morn in March, the day had begun
The passage of time, dishes needing done
Her walker in place, staring at her face,
calling her forth, the handles to embrace
She knew that without it there was no way
she could get through the routines of the day
but it felt so present, so awkward there
The things it meant, she could no longer bear
There were countless dreams to share with the world
and amazing feelings to be unfurled
The balcony would be the ideal test
It was there she could build her secret nest
and like a fledgling spread her wings and soar
The time was right and she could wait no more

It was lockdown time in her barren street
She could feel people’s loneliness accrete
So many of them getting on in years
trying to cope with their worries and fears
She knew as the day was soon to be done
that she could rekindle their hearts with song

Outside she looked at the streets dull and bare
But how vivid the setting sun felt there
She swelled her lungs with the evening air
and crushed the silence with her soulful prayer:

Lascia ch'io pianga mia cruda sorte
E che sospiri la libertà
Let me weep over my cruel fate,
And that I long for freedom
https://youtu.be/gI8q6kZ6bCE
In an instant her nocturne pierced the town
and balcony doors opened all around
Thousands emerging in wonder and awe
Their hearts enlivened and yearning for more
She sang for hours with compassion and grace
There were no more remnants of time and space
She had lifted the souls of all who heard
and felt the splendor of what had occurred
At night she pondered over what she’d done
and thanked the balcony and the setting sun.