Not Lyrics

In writing lyrics for rock
I used to think I ought
To learn the wit and form
Of poetry.
That in the mastery of such,
With rhythm sound,
I may transfer the thoughts -- emotion
To the form of melody.

It is not.

The word and mouth combine
In ways ineffable.
In consummate voice and breath:
One instrument.
And if the voice, unfaithful,
Conforms them to a tune
The words commit divorce
At this adultery.

But all this toil has not been wasted.
Begin with melody and rhythm,
And then you salt your note with lyric.
'Cos in the act of learning meter
And forcing words into a channel
A useful tool is in your purchase
To shape and sculpt the sound of singing.