Midnight Cadences: A Collection of Intimate Poems

Midnight Cadence is an 11-part literary suite; a compelling, symphonic journey of the notes and chords of a soul, presented as musical analogy. These cadences are "sung" in the changing modulation and inflection of a poet's voice over a lifetime. The Movements (or chapters) include the following progression throughout the suite, as it journeys to the end.
Beginning with Motif, which is the musical idea around which a composition is developed, it includes overarching themes of isolation; pain; alienation; loneliness; love; and hopefully, a budding wisdom. Second, Dissonance, which describes qualities of disagreement and restlessness, explores sleeplessness; feelings of invisibility; strain; sanity; rumination; bitterness; resentment; fatigue; and yet, glimmers of hope. Next, enters the Melody, in a succession of single musical tones: It touches on the dreamworld; school-girl crushes; the search for human connection; elation and exuberance; disillusionment; bruised innocence; brokenness; relationships as puzzling puzzles; unrequited first loves; sadness; questions of self-worth; lack of fulfillment; feelings of abandonment; hollowness; the dangers of dark beauty; struggles with confusion; spirituality; the imagining of fantastical creatures; love as the most precious of gifts; and, the realization that optimism is possible because of life's changing seasons. Reprise, which is a repeated musical passage, returns to feelings of gravity; having no regrets at expressing vulnerability; and, resignation at the agonizingly slow process of healing. Followed by the Elegy, a sad, mournful piece that transitions from seismic emotions; mourning tributes; enemies and injuries; and, betrayal; to ultimately, an acceptance of others' dual and false identities. In transition, the Bridge transports us from one place to another through storied journeys, leading to forgiveness and hope; optimism; and, moments of genuine happiness. Thus, Vivace blooms forth in a brisk, lively manner of dynamic contrast; an energetic performance full of spirit, wishes, and naivete', as well as a celebration of friendship, dreamscapes, and whimsy. Turning gently, Pianissimo is not just very soft; it's also quieter, sprinkled with the delicate magic, musical sounds, and perfume of nighttime; the soft tissue of sisterhood; and, the drifting sleep of mermaids. On approach to the ending, Decrescendo a Fine is the distance from loudness to quietude, here lies the metamorphosis that is death of the old-self versus re-birth of a new-self. This is a journey through moments of self-doubt; anchorless-ness; adjustment to the harsh realities of adulthood; fear of the unknown; apprehensiveness over the future; reckoning with anger; reflection; introspection; but ultimately, comes the relief of self-realization and long-awaited, even spiritual enlightenment (Codetta)