Wild and Precious

9/23/2023 - ported from Typepad

Here is a commission I wrote for a beloved person. It is an SATB choral piece. The concept is based on the famous Mary Oliver poem, The Summer Day.

Video with imagery

Score video

The Text

We are wild and brief and precious
In the eyes of those we love
We are droplets in the rainstorm flying high
We are petals from a blossom
Of an ancient cherry tree
Soaring on the wind across the sky

We are wild and brief and precious
In the stillness of the moon
We are sparks against the sunset of the years
We are silk and sable feathers
From the wise old raven’s tail
Landing on the mountain wet with tears

Oh hear me
Hear my voice today
Hear me like a poet hears a rhyme

Call me
Call my name out loud
Call me as I gently fade from time

We are wild and brief and precious
In the presence of the Lord
Smoke and ashes fading in the sun
We are pilgrims walking onwards
Through a land of silver dreams
Many rivers flowing into one

We are wild and brief and precious
In the eyes of those we love
We are droplets in the rainstorm flying high
We are petals from a blossom
Of an ancient cherry tree
Soaring on the wind across the sky

We are wild and brief and precious
Landing on the mountain wet with tears
Smoke and ashes fading in the sun
Many rivers flowing into one

Oh hear me
Call me
Hmmmmm