Edensong

An after-concert reflection . . .

At the eighth hour

The doors opened to a

Garden of art

Where flowers like notes

Bloomed in exquisite colors

Encompassing the rainbow

From serenity to ashest brown

To sparkling gold

And tender blue.

Hearing each flower bloom

With such pure hues

And delicate shape

I found my soul barefoot

And running free in the

Splendor of the tossing

Vibrations and fragrant wind.

Grand, clanging celebration

Poured glorious light

Into cracks of my tired mind

While precious welcome

Built a spirited house

Of prayer and praise.

Embraced by petal-soft pearls

Of such richness and joy

I noiselessly found my way home

With the fragrance of

Evening song

Lingering

Like a pinned red rose*

On the mantle of my heart.

Nancy Gerst © 2010

After attending the Fall Concert of the James Madison Singers and Chorale

in the new Forbes Performing Arts Center, at James Madison University,
October 21, 2010. Dr. Patrick Walders, Director of Choral Activities, is
now DCA at San Diego State University.

*Seniors each had a red rose pinned to their dress or tux jacket.

James Madison School of Music 

San Diego State University School of Music and Dance