Sonnet on the Pipe Organ

There lives in lofts in many churches grand Composed of pipes of wood and metal fine: The largest instrument at once conceived. Now leading song, now soloing, in time. Warm flutes, so soft and sweet, accompany. Lush strings do, too, harmonious with song. Those en chamades shout out triumphantly, While principals provide the backbone strong. But what’s so great: a mess of met’l and trees? Can such a costly instrument survive? But people hear those chords sublime and freeze. Two hands on keys, and feet on pedals, fly. And in the midst of sound and passion true, My heart is filled with glad beatitude.