April 27: Invincibility

Mae West quipped, “Too much of a good thing can

Be wonderful,” and I affirm tonight

Diverged significantly from my plan,

But nonetheless would seem to prove her right.

The many hours I’ve drilled each vocal score,

My eyes on the conductor’s steady beat,

Might once have made my tender larynx sore,

But no, this night with triumph I’m replete.

Not only did I satisfy each goal

To which, impetuously, I did commit,

I thrived, encouraged, buoyed, and consoled,

And did it all despite sleep deficit!

When my Athen...