Tedium

Jim found the Te Deum a tedious trial

And, sad though it seems, it’s beyond all denial.

The words were all right. They were cheerful enough

But the musical setting was tiresome and tough.

The tune would descend where he thought it would rise

Or the rhythm would suddenly spring a surprise.

The choir coped well and were clearly content

And the people around seemed to know how it went

Though they looked disapproving and gave a slight frown

When they soared to a high note as poor Jim went down.

Cry aloud with the angels and powers therein

They most certainly did but, to Jim, what a din!

‘Have mercy upon us!’ he’d fervently pray

As the music dragged on in its wearisome way.

With each passing phrase the more irksome it sounded.

In vain did Jim sing ‘let me not be confounded!’

Confounded he was. So, composers, be fair,

If you must write at all, write a nice tuneful air

And make it predictable, more like hymn:

Simple and easy and suited to Jim.