He conducted choir like an epic adventure,
sweating and red-faced with effort,
artfully brandishing his baton
with power and concentration,
damp hair flying about his shoulders.

Teasing high notes from the sopranos
with the quirk of an eyebrow,
quelling a rambunctious tenor
with one tiny shake of his head,
scowling fiercely at any discord.

Drawing out the shy and quiet altos
with a sweet smile and beckoning hand,
bringing in the resonant bass line
with a dramatically lifted palm,
while punching the air for emphasis.

Stretching on his tiptoes as if spurring
the vocals to soar to the farthest reaches,
until the last swelling and fading of sound
leaves him spent yet victorious;
a master of the musical voyage.