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Words by Anna Yin
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
Patricia O'Callaghan, voice, and Lara Dodds-Eden, piano; Confluence Concerts
Lyrics: Spirit Tree, by Anna Yinafter Priscila UppalIn Prospect Cemetery,among poplar, cedar, maple,I hope you found your tree—a healing from heaven. Here, in another city,I see from my windowa full-grown willow—ten years ago, it was a tiny twigdropped in the valley. Two years ago, the year you passed, lightninghit the willow and split her in two.A year later,from the open wound,she grew new branches.Have I found my spirit tree?A breeze blows—new green leavestouch me like a soft hand. When winter comes,I collect the fallen leaves,slim, the shape of lips.I slip them into booksof your poems.They cling to one another,a whispering forest of stories.
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