Rondeau

When learning the songs of ages,
cherish the words,
for they are the heart of chanting,
a century's worth of sages
sighing in herds.
When learning the songs of ages,
cherish the words.
In all of a thousand cages,
millions of birds
in jealousy have been panting.
When learning the songs of ages,
cherish the words,
for they are the heart of chanting.

When singing the ancient phrases,
worship each note,
for not even one is static,
and strains from our younger phases
weary the throat.
When singing the ancient phrases,
worship each note.
Complexity fashions mazes;
we learn by rote--
for us, it is automatic.
When singing the ancient phrases,
worship each note,
for not even one is static.

When strains are to be harmonic,
cling to the chord,
for it is the first that sounded.
The purest and simplest tonic
lives while unscored.
When strains are to be harmonic,
cling to the chord.
We know it is embryonic,
and it is stored
inside, where the soul is bounded.
When strains are to be harmonic,
cling to the chord,
for it is the first that sounded.