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Words by George Elliott Clarke
voice and piano
This song is part of the album and songbook "Wound Turned to Light"; recording available on Redshift Records, TK540, through Bandcamp. May be sung by any male or female voice; contact composer for other transpositions.
October 13, 2023, Toronto, Heliconian Hall
Alex Samaras, voice, and Lara Dodds-Eden, piano; Confluence Concerts
Lyrics: To the Poet, by George Elliott Clarke(pace A. Pushkin & trans. C. Garnett) Poet! Damn you if you crave public love!People clap raucously, then fickle, stop.Fools don scholars' tassels, bray their critiques,While crowds' hoorays chill—or scald—your marrow. Best to stand Caesar-calm, statue-austere:It's majesty, yes, to dwell defiant,Castled in your own soul, free and aloof!Perfect your flowers, distill their dream liqueurs,But ignore all praise of your past confections.Judge for yourself your vineyard's heady wine:Your strict taste dictates its vintage sweetness! Do you want joy? Let the pack bay and howl:Let them snarl and spit on your altar's flamesAnd breathe your temple's triumphant perfumes!
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