Nature

Description

SATB

The poem “Nature” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882) compares a sleepy child being led off to bed to elderly people waiting for death. The composer chose this poem from among many because of his father’s death and the birth of his child- personal experience with both realities. It was composed for the 2008–2009 Longfellow Chorus International Composers Competition where it was awarded co-first prize.

Duration: c. 4:00

“Nature” from Kéramos, and Other Poems (1878)

As a fond mother, when the day is o'er,
Leads by the hand her little child to bed,

Half willing, half reluctant to be led,

And leave his broken playthings on the floor…