The Fervid Hokey Poke
A setting of the prize-winning poem by Jeff Brechlin
For unaccompanied mixed choir - Duration: 2:45
Demo recording of "The Fervid Hokey Poke"
Jeff Brechlin won The Washington Post's Style Invitational in March 2003 with his poem The Hokey Poke. The competition asked readers to rewrite some banal instructions in the style of a famous writer. Brechlin chose to rewrite one verse of the traditional dance song The Hokey Pokey as if written by William Shakespeare, for which he won the prize of a shotgun shell salt and pepper shaker. His poem is used with permission.
Purchase sheet music for The Fervid Hokey Poke below.
The Fervid Hokey Poke
O proud left foot, that ventures quick within
Then soon upon a backward journey lithe.
Anon, once more the gesture, then begin:
Command sinistral pedestal to writhe.
Commence thou then the fervid Hokey-Poke,
A mad gyration, hips in wanton swirl.
To spin! A wilde release from Heaven's yoke.
Blessed dervish! Surely canst go, girl.
The Hoke, the Poke -- banish now thy doubt
Verily, I say, 'tis what it's all about.
Performance History
Premiere not yet scheduled.