For trebles SSA(A) and harp (or piano).
Poem: Emily Dickinson
Duration: 2 min 45 sec
Written for the Peninsula Women’s Chorus.
Published by William Thorpe. 392-03085
Here is a recording by the San Francisco Girls Chorus.
I shall keep singing!
Birds will pass me
On their way to Yellower Climes –
Each – with a Robin’s expectation –
I – with my Redbreast –
And my Rhymes –
Late – when I take my place in summer –
But – I shall bring a fuller tune –
Vespers – are sweeter than Matins – Signor –
Morning – only the seed of Noon –
During her life, Emily Dickinson published few of her poems. This poem expresses her assurance that her voice will eventually be heard – later than the birds, perhaps – but all the sweeter for being later. I wrote this piece in memory of Patty Hennings, music director of the Peninsula Women’s Chorus. A later version, for soprano solo and orchestra, appears in Amherst Requiem.