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about

This is a poem of mine that Nathan selected from a bunch of my preexisting poetry I gave him to look at. He set it to music very beautifully! -- AD

I endeavored to set it to music written in a style Alexander would have chosen for the lyrics. In this case it is 5/4 time and the Mixolydian mode, the latter which seems to fit the "night" theme so eloquently. -- NF

lyrics

Like the desert creatures crawling
from their daylight hiding places
when, beyond the land's edge falling,
Sun withdraws his blasting blight,
I, by day no more encumbered,
wake my soul that long has slumbered
and unveil my greater graces
in your bosom, ancient Night.

I have heard the bitter wailing
of the wakeful men, who wrestle
through the too-long hours, flailing
in the day's tempestuous fight;
now I hear your sweet oblation
poured out in each susurration
from the same, who warmly nestle
in your bosom, ancient Night.

Love, though Venus vainly claims him
as a son Mars fathered from her;
though the dawn-adorer tames him
to a shadow of delight;
though men bottle, trap, and trade him,
never will forget who made him:
he was nursed in Eden's summer
on your bosom, ancient Night.

Though pale Death, Love's favorite brother
is all life's unyielding despot,
you alone, his goddess-Mother
cannot feel his bitter bite;
and when life is nowhere breathing,
you will see him sighing, sheathing
his blue sword, and taking respite
in your bosom, ancient Night.

When the suns of all creation
tire of their appointed burning,
and no long-held obligation
keeps alive their gaudy light,
you will see them dimming, sinking
inward, one by one out-winking:
children of the dark, returning
to your bosom, ancient Night.

credits

from Before Dawn, released October 29, 2011
Music by Nathan Fivecoate
Lyrics by Alexander Dove

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all rights reserved

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about

Alexander Dove Chicago, Illinois

Alexander Dove is a songwriter, poet, and composer, who also plays in the traditional Celtic folk group Dòrain. Alexander Dove is used for more-or-less solo or self-directed work, regardless of genre. Published writings are under the name Alexander Dove Lempke. ... more

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