This Song

This song has been sung for ages long
From far away and near at hand
Repeating the same melody
With many but minor variations
Each voice adding unique touches
Nuanced sounds both at once
Individual and unique
Clear ringing soprano to rich baritone
The ensemble expands and contracts
As circumstance and custom demands
Some swell to enrich the score
While others trail off in silence
With fond farewells and sad regret
The song endures nonetheless
Sounding as it did then
To carry on as the notes repeat
Returning once more
From whence they began