An original song devoted to all who suffer. I present this setting of my father's words after the earthquake in Haiti.
I completed this piece in 2010 and scored it for bass voice (cello) and piano.
Words
by
Jack Forge
When I look down, I see the ocean
When I look up, I see the clouds
Closing my eyes, I hear the people
Singing their last song before they die
Remember days of sun and flowers
Remember nights of myriad stars
And then the earth shuddered her great shell
And brought a whole nation tumbling to her knees
I sing a yesterday song in mourning for my lost home
I cry in sad remembrance, remembrance of my love
I scream in rage, furious at my god
Who wrecked my world, slaughtering my people
Without warning, without a sign
But only death to poor suffering people
Who simply tried to make a happier world
In the midst of strife without relief
So now I call out, cry out for grace
Some mercy, please,
Before all of us die