One Sweet Song

Across the city, its diverse residents stay within the confines of their homes. On a balcony a woman plays a note on her flute – ‘One note trills … / floating in the air.’ It’s heard by a child nearby looking through her window who picks up her triangle, steps onto the balcony and ‘rings a chime,/ soft and true./ One note trills, and/ now there are two.’ This prompts another neighbour to play his violin and then other people and their instruments including a saucepan and spoon,

a cello, a ghatam, a morsing, and bottles join as the music rises until the rhyming text reaches ten, voices young and not so young, sing out and the entire area feels connected and alive with a harmonious sound. “One sweet song that fills the space, / one sweet song, / a warm embrace.’ Then slowly, one at a time the instruments come to rest once more,

leaving everyone at peace with themselves and the world.

Powerful rhythms and lilting rhyme combined with spirited illustrations that have coloured swirls and musical notes weaving in and out of the homes, make a once separated community united by joy.
Author Jyoti and illustrator Sonia have together created a wonderful celebration of the healing power of music and its capacity to bring people together even in difficult times such as the recent pandemic.

One thought on “One Sweet Song

  1. The Ghatam stands as a symbol of India’s musical heritage and cultural diversity. Its significance extends beyond its role as a mere instrument, embodying centuries of tradition and craftsmanship. Whether in classical ensembles, folk gatherings, or solo performances, the Ghatam continues to enchant listeners with its earthy timbre and rhythmic vitality, ensuring its enduring presence in the tapestry of Indian music.
    https://www.indianetzone.com/10/ghatam.htm

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.