(This is not a liturgical piece.)

Those of you who work with students who graduate and move on, or who find yourself among a group of musicians who are parting ways for any reason might find this text helpful or meaningful.

I wrote it after spending an afternoon singing with old friends who have not all been together for many years. Jeffrey Quick mentioned setting it to music. Anyone who desires to do so should feel free- it might make a good piece for an end-of-season or graduation concert.

Needless to say, this is a deeply personal poem.
While I am adhering to my Open Source philosophy by making no legal restrictions, even as to adaptations, I ask as a personal favor that the text not be amended without specific permission.

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Reunion

Twixt sorrow and the joy of being near,
We sing for comfort, and for God to hear.
Though fleeting comfort is, and absence long,
there is no cold despairing in our song.
For that same God who joined us also parts,
and strengthens for the breaking of our hearts.

Composer of the Heavens, make us new
That we might in all places sing for You,
And if it pleases, let it not be long
Til scattered friends again rejoice in song.

-Adam Wood
5 May 2013
on a plane from Boston to Fort Worth

CC: BY-SA