The Garden

SATB, cello and piano | Duration c. 5’30”

Hewitt Hill Music

The Garden was commissioned by Robin McKee Williams for Choral Artists of Carmel, in honor of Robin’s conducting mentor Michael Adelson. The text of this work was written by Robin in April 2020, during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. It speaks to a place of peace and calm within each of us, an internal space that is seemingly so elusive in our world today. The work culminates with a musical supplication, in which the choir sings the word “please” repeatedly until the final words of the poem, words that hold great significance in these times of pandemic, are sung quite plainly; “Please let us live one more breath.” 

The garden of peace has smiled upon its flowers.
It’s unfurling of pain has reached the father in a stretch that only a soul would know.
Hail the garden’s glory.
Hail the whisper of peace.

In this quiet is the miracle of effort, life and dreams.
Let the gift be swift and full.
Reach out the hand, oh lord, to your gardener who paints the flower of the future.
Your timeless hands wave a speechless silence soothing and healing.
A sweeter peace can only know the inner soul sighing in relief.

Let the gardens grow.
Please let the dreams be full.
Please let us live one more breath.

                               – Robin Alexandra