Benediction

For soprano and piano. Duration - 3 minutes.
Poetry by Christina Ramirez.

a new song
one that is honest
one that speaks without script
or measured breath
the unnerved and shaking but determined
stance of a woman who
is due warmth
due joy
due the gifts so often bestowed and so rarely
believed to be deserved
sing, now,
and do not be troubled
should your lungs require
a bit of practice and your
mouth a month to recall
confidence -
it will come
as will you
as will the beautiful rest
that envelops those who spend
their energies, not in the haggard
pursuit of performance, but
rather
in that blessed and sweet entanglement -
unhurried, unafraid,
unashamed.

Commissioned by Fourth Coast Ensemble.