CANTUS by ARVO PÄRT

Plangent strings intone

Mood and memory,

A sad tune varied

By endless repetition.

Superimposed thirds chime

Subconscious responses,

Concatenation of childhood longing.

It is a processional,

Holding back,

Decelerating,

Almost stationary.

The end is death, and renewal.

Delayed applause,

The music beatified

By silence.

We should pray:

But all the prayers

Have been written –

It is ourselves we must give.

(Michael Newman)

18 Courtiers Drive

Bishops Cleeve

Cheltenham

Glos GL52 4NU