Aubade

Aubade is a fabulous word.  I fell in love with it and couldn’t stop thinking about it so I did what comes naturally, I wrote a poem.  Aubade is the opposite of serenade, one a morning song, the other of the evening.   By definition, aubade is in fact a ‘song of the morning’ and has also been defined as ‘a song or instrumental composition concerning, accompanying or evoking daybreak’.  If you were to take it at its literal meaning, as it was intended, it would be ‘a song from a door or a window to a sleeping woman’.

In poet John Donne’s heyday, aubades were written from time to time, including his piece, ‘The Sunne Rising’, a striking English example expressing the original intent of the poem type boasting courtly love.  In more modern times aubades have taken on a more abstract theme one of a person parting at daybreak as opposed to separating from a lover.  A prime example being the poetically charged piece simply titled ‘Aubade’ by Philip Larkin (it’s worth a search in Google if you are a poetry head).

In the Middle Ages, aubades were often repertory of troubadours and their travelling ways.  The more modern day scribes have taken it upon themselves to experiment and have bent the rules to allow for a more flexible meaning and a broader reach for the subject.  I think both versions are wonderful.

Aubade

the hour is hollow

après sunrise

the moon lifts

arousing dawn

&

a tiny song

sung softly

in a hushed whisper

between parceled lips

awakens the blue

clarity of daylight

dialogue between

parting lovers

is mournful

affection is evanescent

**

Sing your heart out.

In propinquity,

Nic

PS – A wonderfully talented writer friend sent me some great thoughts on ‘Whistle’ and I’m happy to report that because of her smart feedback I am expounding on the writing to strengthen their story. I'm a touch excited.