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

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 briefand precious In the presence of the Lord

Smoke and ashesfading 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

Hmmmm