A Theory Of Music

It's said the blue whale
has more perfect pitch
than you or I can ever hope for,
four octaves below middle C

they croon in the shivering chambers
of the deep blue sea
at depths where few of us could ever hear.
I'm happy for the blue whale's genius

but it's enough for me
to hear you singing off-key
in a steamy bathroom,
your own watery deep,

echoing like a choir
of very human angels,
or your voice in a crowded room
generous, clear and ringing.

There can be perfection
swimming deep beneath
our imperfections.
And that can be enough.