Earth, Teach Me (on a Ute prayer chant, 2024)
This is my setting of a setting of reading #551, a prayer of the Uncompahgre Ute Tribe, in the UU hymnal Singing the Living Tradition. The arrangement has a necessary piano part which is rather independent and combined soprano/alto and tenor/bass parts which divide only occasionally. It also includes brief solos suitable for a soprano and a baritone. Very suitable for Earth Day. Melodic lines are generally simple and of narrow range, though rhythms may be challenging. $1/.pdf copy, $2/hard copy, minimum 8 copies (10 pages each); order here.
Earth, teach me freedom, as the eagle which soars in the sky.
Earth, teach me regeneration, as the seed which rises in the spring.
Earth, teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life.
Earth, teach me to remember kindness, as dry fields weep with rain.
Earth, teach me stillness, Earth, teach me stillness.
Earth, teach me stillness, as the grasses are stilled with light.
Earth, teach me suffering, as old stones suffer with memory.
Earth, teach me caring, as parents who secure their young.
Earth, teach me courage, as the tree which stands tall.
Earth, teach me limitation, as the ant which crawls on the ground.
