A new piece is in the works for SATB + piano, on the theme of “Joy”, with text (and photo above) by Alex Dawson. Commissioned by Tone Cluster, to be premiered spring 2026.
Original text: In which I explain myself
I want the garden, not the flowers in their sterile vase, I want the bees, the fruit, the soil under my nails, I want to make a meal
of what is true. The grit and grief of life, the words you never said, caught in your throat, I want them like I want the birds
to follow the invitation of the moon. When I was young, someone peeled my eyes wide like wild grapes. Don't you see?
I couldn't close them if I tried.
Upon learning that the word "witch" comes from the Old English "wicce" meaning "wise woman"
I slip into the forest, barefoot and moon-eyed, inviting the nightbirds to nest in my bramble thicket hair. I lay down in the moss, and whisper incantations to midnight's crescent grin. I collect the fallen fruit and feast until I'm soft as sin. I howl the name of every stolen sister to the aching sky. I dance with forbidden joy around the fire, daring any passing fool to just try and push me in.