This piece was commission by Infrasound in 2021. Halcyon: a bird identified with the kingfisher and held in ancient legend to nest at sea about the time of the winter solstice and to calm the waves during incubation (Merriam Webster). This piece encapsulates the Halcyon's journey from a place of stress and self doubt to their secluded, peaceful nest on the sea. The work allows for large amounts of interpretation from the performers and is different with every performance.
Text:
What will you do with all of my atoms,
Grind me to dust so I finally fly?
Let my bones soak in a bitter plum wine,
Ring out the marrow making pulp for the paper?
This isn’t the time.
I don’t know my place.
Earth won’t open her skin and let me sink in.
Immoral alchemy, make me a star,
Tired, tangled tines wilting from labor.
A life wrought with stress, compress me to stone,
Let me skip on the sea to the Halcyon’s nest.
This isn’t the time.
But may that be my place.
Calm air on the isle allow me rest.
Text:
What will you do with all of my atoms,
Grind me to dust so I finally fly?
Let my bones soak in a bitter plum wine,
Ring out the marrow making pulp for the paper?
This isn’t the time.
I don’t know my place.
Earth won’t open her skin and let me sink in.
Immoral alchemy, make me a star,
Tired, tangled tines wilting from labor.
A life wrought with stress, compress me to stone,
Let me skip on the sea to the Halcyon’s nest.
This isn’t the time.
But may that be my place.
Calm air on the isle allow me rest.