Five Short Pieces: The Inquisitive Typist, composed by Ben Russman, poems by Isabel Randall

Composer: Ben Russman
Poems by: Isabel Randall a.k.a @theinquisitivetypist
Cello: Ana Ospina (@anncellou)
Piano: Giselle Huong Nguyen (@gis._.piano)
Five short pieces - The Inquisitive Typist describes the product of my dream. When I was a little kid, I always found myself writing. Whether it be poems, short stories, journal entries, or songs. I found solace within lined pages. That same solace was found during the COVID-19 pandemic when I decided to write poems under the pen name “The Inquisitive Typist."
I love the saying, “When words fail, music speaks.” I am beyond honored to have collaborated with Ben Russman on this custom commission. Ben has captured my words so that both his music and my words speak on behalf of a pandemic that has left millions speechless.
“Waiting Room” was written from the perspective of an unnamed person on the other side of the doors of a waiting room. When I wrote the words, I was gripped by their simplicity and haunted by their reality. How waiting can be the most terrifying moment of a person’s life.
“ICU” and “Bluebird” were written during a Neave Trio concert I attended during Longy’s New Student Orientation in Fall 2021. I have never experienced anything like this in my life. I was writing the poetry as I was listening to the music being played live. Neave Trio’s performances of Rachmaninoff’s Elegy and Lili Boulanger’s A Little Spring were impactful moments because it was then I realized that music is beyond notes on a page. Music is a balm for the heart.
“ICU” is a play on words for “intensive care unit” and “I see you.” I wrote it in dedication to those impacted by the pandemic, especially to those who were never seen again.
“Bluebird” was inspired by the reopening happening and as the world was “returning to normalcy.” I’m not sure if a pre-pandemic life will exist again, but I know that I learned a lot during quarantine. Enough to make me realize it is worth persevering during pauses.
“Retrospect” was written as a letter to my future self. I have moments where I wonder if what I’m looking at is the present moment or a memory. I guess in a way the answer is both. As I started thinking of my life, post-pandemic, I wrote this poem to remind myself to take each day for what it is, and remind myself to always be present. What I’ve learned the most is that life is incredibly fragile, and each day, each breath, and each heartbeat we have is enough.
“Change The Path,” was inspired by Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken,” I remember first reading Frost’s words and wondering about the road less traveled and its significance. “Change The Path” is the thesis for Inventions of a Dream. Inventions require you to change the path through productive imagination, discovering new ways, and finding your own path.
1. Waiting Room
I sat outside the room
Waiting for an answer…
Anything new…
Any news…
I held my breath, hoping yours hadn’t left.
I held my breath, hoping yours had not left.
2. ICU
In dedication to frontline workers, families, patients, and victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.
And I can hear.
Yes, I can hear them:
I hear their cries.
I hear them sing.
I heard their cries.
I heard them sing.
But the words left unsaid, are spoken to the grave.
A whisper rises o’er the distant fray.
“You must live on.”
3. Bluebird
I will rise above my foes…
Fly high, little bird, Fly, high!
I will fly home stronger than ever!
I know my wings are not clipped,
but stretched toward the sky!
4. Retrospect
Though living in the now,
I feel myself looking back:
As if what I perceive is already in the past…
Moments fleeting, and yet this heart is beating
Reminding me of the life yet to live…
5. Change the Path
There is a road less traveled
It is rugged
Full of mystery
Yet it too must be traveled
For the ones who come after
They too need a map of what is to come.

[@wendy.randall5689]

Amazing! So moving! Je l’aime beaucoup!❤❤❤❤❤

[@isabel.randall]

Danke Mom! Ich liebe dich auch! 💖

[@tracyparenteintervention]

Nice❤❤❤

[@isabel.randall]

Thank you so much!

[@wendy.randall5689]

Absolutely AMAZING!❤❤❤Praise God Belle! I am so thankful for you! Gif has blessed you with a marvelous beautiful voice. I pray that you will bless the world with your voice❣️🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@isabel.randall]

Amen! Thank you so much!!!

[@wendy.randall5689]

@@isabel.randall De nada. ❤️🙏🏾

[@lukehopper7847]

*promosm* 🌹

[@isabel.randall]

Thank you so much!