Weathered Days

Although homophony is predominant in the closing section, the remainder of the piece is largely polyphonic with melodies intertwining. The lyrics for this work are derived from five poems written by Gordon E. Abshire. Although these poems span a period of 21 years, it seemed to me that they formed a narrative when joined together. The spare frame of these poems recall haiku. And in these few words, a wealth of meaning resides. The first three poems are tinged with melancholy as leaves are torn from branches, memories languish, and plum blossoms offer fragrance even to the one who breaks the branch. But in the final two poems, the piece turns toward dawn and shimmering light, and the dark night passes.

–Black Bamboo
Strong winds tear as leaves
Seem to flee
The stems that hold them.

–Visitation
Weathered days
Lined with age
Brittle leather
Moments pile
Incessantly less.

Fragile halo
Faded eyes with
Tears beguiled
Memories
Languish unopened.

–Plum Blossoms
Plum blossoms give fragrance
Even to one whose hand
Has broken the branch

–Blaine
. . .Lonely might
Persuaded to
Warmth of dawn
Led softly, gently —
In your light
Brought to day.

–Verseworks 5
Sunlight glimpsed
Through new leaves —
Life shimmers.