in 1846, the saxophone
was patented, unheard strains
of trumpet cleaved to clarinet
a reed quiver within a brassy throat
Robert Browning in his dream
creates an instrument unsung
unstrung pleasure attuned
in measure to earth and sky
meteors, holy ventures,
hurtle through the dark
light a priesthood of belief
in passion’s harmony
leave wit beguiled
unreason at the helm
Shush, he told her,
their spent youth sped past
in a delirium, as he
fingered her hair
photo from public domain
