I am a violist, the sound so mellow
I wonder if my viola’s in tune
I hear the music ebb and flow
I see the notes, ready to leap off the page
I want exciting, melodic pieces to play
I am a violist, the sound so mellow

I pretend I’m full of confidence when
I feel so nervous to perform
I worry the chance of a string snapping and
I cry when G clef or 5th position appear
I am a violist, the sound so mellow

I understand Alto Clef, viola’s own clef
I say, “It’s not a violin!” hundreds of times
I dream of playing brilliant solos
I try to play difficult passages and if not,
I hope I’m better at bullshitting
I am a violist, the sound so mellow