— The Lady in the Water —

2007

Commissioned for Duluth East A’Capella Choir, conductor Jerome Upton

Published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing (2007) more info

The Water Lady

Alas! the moon should ever beam
To show what man should never see! --
I saw a maiden on a stream,
And fair was she!

I staid a while, to see her throw
Her tresses back, that all beset
The fair horizon of her brow
With clouds of jet.

I staid a little while to view
Her cheek, that wore in place of red
The bloom of water, tender blue,
Daintily spread.

I staid to watch, a little space,
Her parted lips if she would sing
The waters closed above her face
With many a ring.

And still I staid a little more;
Alas! she never comes again!
I throw my flowers from the shore,
And watch in vain.

I know my life will fade away,
I know that I must vainly pine;
For I am made of mortal clay,
But she's divine!

Thomas Hood (1799-1845) wiki