Borut Gombač
translation from Slovene Josh Rocchio
ODE TO BASSES
Under the surface is lurking the bass,
A mountain that’s mighty, growing down toward
The breadth of the moment, endless time and space,
The hidden quintessence of vocal accord.
Bass has a stride that is regal and proud,
An underground wave, a volcanic rift.
Ere you have heard it, it’s already loud,
In harmonious space a temporal shift.
Membranes that tremble, low-frequency swells
Felt by our body as much as it hears,
Vocal cords ring out like bottomless bells,
And bass can be heard by the deafest of ears.
(chorus)
Bass is both delta and secretive spring,
Mellifluous wisdom, both passion and love;
It’s past, present, future, the bridge that does bring
Peace to the battles waged high up above.