Nearer My God To Thee Poem by Max Reif

Nearer My God To Thee

Rating: 5.0


What possessed us
to be so calm,
the frigid ocean below
about to take us in its jaws?

We were not extraordinary men,
not particularly religious men,

but when our minds
saw what was coming,
we gathered as one
and began to play.

A friend had told me
how once after his orchstra
played the Pastoral Symphony
the members had to shake their heads
to dispel the notion
that they were in the middle of a forest.

So we all were seized
by a great calm,
already not of this world.
The music became a bridge
over the waters,
over time and space,
over what we know as death,

which still you walk on
as you hum the melody.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Colin J... 18 December 2006

Nice poem, Max I like it... Colin

0 0 Reply
Nimal Dunuhinga 18 December 2006

Excellent Max! Yes the death has different melodies.

0 0 Reply
Raynette Eitel 18 December 2006

This is a strong, thought-provoking poem that has more than a touch of music within it.I really like it, Max. Raynette

0 0 Reply
Tranquil Ocean 18 December 2006

Humbling in its profundity.Great poem and thoughts. TO

0 0 Reply
Sandra Fowler 29 December 2006

An epitaph in music, powerfully expressed. The mood is elegiac, the poetry is world class. Kindest regards, Sandra

0 0 Reply
Not a member No 4 27 December 2006

A fascinating subject. Crowd psychology allied to the power of music - one for Canetti/Freud. Brilliantly evocative words. Terrific poetry.

0 0 Reply
Max Reif 18 December 2006

In response to Tara and others, I never saw the film! (felt the ad campaign was too schmaltzy) . I'm glad to know the band's heroism was well-dramatized, though!

0 0 Reply

I am guessing you watched or re-watched the film lately. Yes.. was it not wonderful and tear-jerkingly stoic the way the band played on while the ship sank. It was their job or mission in life. You phrase it in the most prefect and memorable way. There is a lesson to be learned in that single-mindedness. I am glad for the reminder. t x

0 0 Reply
Asma Bahrainwala 18 December 2006

a nice poem, Max... i remember that scene from the movie Titanic...the guys playing music in the midst of the all the commotion...it struck me even then...your poem refreshes my memory... Asma...

0 0 Reply
READ THIS POEM IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Max Reif

Max Reif

OVER 400 POEMS SERVED! !
Close
Error Success