A Guide to Feeling Anything (2020) / Dur.= 16’30’’

4 Voices (Any voice type, bass clef parts available), 2 Violins, Viola and Cello

Texts:

I. This is a guide to feeling anything

when it's your God who's the one that's on his knees.

III. Anger, malice, adoration,

mangled peace and contemplation,

joyful mourning, exultation,

rinse repeat till you can't take it.

Twisted, fragile, so worth saving,

frozen tension so amazing,

humbled begging, writhing, dreaming,

close your eyes it's almost easy.

V. Sleep and don't be eager.

This is not the time for craving in absence, no.

Can't I just this once? Oh, God!

Take this wanton urging and sow

something more than what was before.

Replenish what was spent,

and try to feel how you felt then.

Replenish what was spent,

and try to feel that way again.

Confrontation is by design.

Listen closely or you'll get tired, so tired.

I'm tired.

VII. Once while flying, I saw rain weep.

It wept softly trying to sleep.

Wet with worry I held it there.

Be still.

You're safe now.

Be still.

Go, and fall well.

VIII. When the curtain falls, what do you see?

Steady yourself.

Breathe, please breathe.

Breathe, just breathe.

Is this what you wanted?

No?

Sway in rebellion!

Alone.

I am full.

Evergreen, I'll explode the dark.

This is a guide.