TTBB unaccompanied duration: 3′
When I first discovered Charles Bernstein’s beautiful poem, I knew immediately that I wanted to set it for men’s chorus. The poem expresses so much within a brief, 4-verse form. I set out to use harmony to color the text’s rich imagery while honoring the poem’s lyrical and repetitive nature in the melody. The surprising last verse opens up emotionally, and delivers a passionate message. The Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus named this piece an award winner in their 30th anniversary call for scores in 2017. Premiered by the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus.