Enigma Variations Poem by gershon hepner

Enigma Variations



When from enigmas we make variations
we wrap them into mysteries
unsolved by exegetic explanations
based on the various histories
of those who by enigmas have been wired,
because our variations change
enigmas into mysteries inspired
by sounds of the familiar made strange.
A dog’s bark hardly loses its enigma
when Elgar proves he can embellish
the noise, but does not turn into kerygma
by sounding musical, not hellish.

Inspired by contemplating on Elgar’s Enigma Variations, which Alan Chapman is broadcasting on KUSC this morning, with special emphasis on Variation #11, an impression of a bulldog barking.

12/8/09

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