Oath Taking
voice and piano
high voice (d'-f#") - SEA-073-02
7 minutes - $6.00/copy Commissioned by Carol A. Harris, soprano, for the birthday of Robert C. Ruud
Opal Palmer Adisa's rich, visceral poem, "Oath Taking," expresses a passionate desire for integrity and trust. This powerful musical setting captures the ferocity, determination and gentleness of Adisa's deeply felt words.
The composer writes: "For me, Oath Taking reflects not only Adisa's words, but also the character of Carol Harris, the singer who commissioned the song - for both her art and life are deeply informed by precise communication, principled action, and a passionate engagement with truth."
To hear a recorded excerpt for high voice, click here (1.5 MB)
(performed by Harriet McCleary, soprano and Pam Sohriakoff, piano)
(performed by Harriet McCleary, soprano and Pam Sohriakoff, piano)
Oath Taking
Oath Taking
used to be
the word spoken
lived like the multi-colored butterfly
that hovers over a nectar-laden tree
every word
was a nail
driven with force
into wood
to say it was to make
it come through
and if perhaps
you didn't value what you spoke
the priestess would come around
hold up her mirror
to help you remember
the spirit of your words
and every time
you moved a hand
jerked a neck or
stretched from your rib-cage
a sharp nail-stabbing pain
would remind you
not to speak lightly
your words would reflect
from the mirror that was your soul
you would know then
the consequences of speaking idly
you would be reminded
that speaking
is a noble act
a gesture of respect
that we insignificant beings
offer to the life force
Opal Palmer Adisa
"Oath Taking" from Leaf of Life, copyright © 2000 by Opal Palmer Adisa, published by Jukebox Press: Oakland, CA.
Used by permission of the author.
Oath Taking
used to be
the word spoken
lived like the multi-colored butterfly
that hovers over a nectar-laden tree
every word
was a nail
driven with force
into wood
to say it was to make
it come through
and if perhaps
you didn't value what you spoke
the priestess would come around
hold up her mirror
to help you remember
the spirit of your words
and every time
you moved a hand
jerked a neck or
stretched from your rib-cage
a sharp nail-stabbing pain
would remind you
not to speak lightly
your words would reflect
from the mirror that was your soul
you would know then
the consequences of speaking idly
you would be reminded
that speaking
is a noble act
a gesture of respect
that we insignificant beings
offer to the life force
Opal Palmer Adisa
"Oath Taking" from Leaf of Life, copyright © 2000 by Opal Palmer Adisa, published by Jukebox Press: Oakland, CA.
Used by permission of the author.
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