The oboe can make pretty sounds—it hums or moans or croons—
but it can also shriek and squeak and kill the best of tunes.
And whether you hear mourning from a sweetheart just forsaken
or cooing from a dove as honeymooners first awaken
or strident whining from an overbearing egotist
depends upon the skill and love life of the oboist.
Jean L Kreiling