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.