One Last Concerto

By Chase De La Nuez

I sit in silence, listening to the rhythmic beating of my heart 

The once upbeat tempo, now slowing to a crawl

I know what is coming, I know that I can’t escape it

This track cannot go any longer.

Pressing my hands to my chest, I feel the softening pounds of each and every beat

The music grows quieter with each note

So I listen closely, cherishing what is left of my sonata

Admiring the beauty of my 9th symphony.

If I knew the grandeur of my own orchestra, I’d have listened to it sooner

I’d have held it close the moment I heard it

I’d have listened to the grandiose notes with utmost pleasure

If only I knew the merit of this music earlier

God, if there even is one, I pray that they grant me just one wish

I wish that this iridescent harmony would stay with me forever,

That it would sit idly in my heart and never stand up to leave

But alas, my pleading is answered with an unchanged tempo.

As the drum’s rhythm echoes into my arms and throughout my body,

I feel at peace with my fate, content with the prospect of musics’ end

Though the tracks’ words may be foreign to my ears,

Still, I understand each beat as if I’ve spoken this language my whole life

The drumming begins to stall, playing its last verse,

It picks up speed, becoming a flowing rapid of crashes and snares.

And with that final crescendo of my hearts beat,

The symphony of my life reaches its conclusion.

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Biography

Hi, I’m Chase, I’m a sophomore in high school and I enjoy writing and fencing. When I’m not doing that, I’m watching Doctor Who.

How do you resonate with your piece? Why is it personal to you?

I think about death a lot, it’s a unique thing, nothing comes close to it. I want to write pieces that don’t portray death as some terrible event. And I think I did a pretty decent job with this poem.

What message do you hope to convey through your piece?

Death is inevitable, and we’re all helpless to stop it. So why fear it? Accept that the reaper will come for you and enjoy what’s left of life.