Marilyn Singer, in her book follow follow, explores reversible poems, which can be read either forwards or backwards. Each reading tells the "same" story but from a different point of view. In a musical context, we created a melody that can be sung both forwards and backwards at the same time. Silly Goose tells the story of the Golden Goose from the point of view of a princess who is always serious and never laughs (when read forward), and from the point of view of a princess who always laughs and is never serious (when read backwards). Marilyn has graciously given us permission to post this musical setting of her poem.Silly Goose (poem by Marilyn Singer with music by Sethares)
Laugh?
I was born to
be serious all the time.
Who can
find the world a funny place?
I
see
such bad behavior
outside my window,
an assortment,
foolish or greedy folk.
Today,
three whining sisters;
a pair of blustering priests;
some poor workers
(they stick together);
a handsome golden goose,
carried away by
this tall, blushing boy,
so simple-looking,
definitely not
my type.
My type:
definitely not
so simple looking,
this tall, blushing boy,
carried away by
a handsome golden goose.
They stick together:
some poor workers,
a pair of blustering priests,
three whining sisters,
(today
foolish or greedy folk).
An assortment
outside my window.
Such bad behavior.
See!
I
find the world a funny place.
Who can
be serious all the time?
I was born to
laugh.