Forsaken is a moving and powerful single movement work which combines vocal melody and chromatic harmony with the very expressive poetry of Peter Gillespie:
Wind blows cold on icy shore,
the landscape laying bare,
bringing snow to set down low on life,
on life, life without a care.
Time is short from last year’s parting,
now the lion roars,
escorting pain into the den,
clipping wings, wings that soared above.
To let, to yield, in cowardice
to winter’s steely chill,
akin to embracing loneliness
beneath desolate hill.
Deep within our small disguise,
we cling to what we know,
wanting more, but gaining less
by hiding passion’s show.
To want, to need, return of spring
would break existing fools,
desire is saved for those who wait;
patiently nature rules.
When the season restores its youth,
by feigning life anew,
in time I’m sure she’ll find a way
of returning, returning me to you.
Returning me to you.
© 2010 Peter Gillespie
Instrumentation: SATB Choir, a capella
Duration: 8 minutes
Performed by UBC Women’s Choir
Kevin Zakresky, Conductor
Listen to a performance of Forsaken