One Ruby-throated Moment

 

if only for one
ruby-throated moment
your life could hover

rapid
radiant
rare

you would never let the quiver
out of your bloodstream

seek always the nectar
you sensed was there

if only for one
ruby-throated moment
your heart could beat

a hundred thrilling times

a hundred exclamations
a hundred revelations
a hundred prayers

if only for one
ruby-throated moment
you could drink
from the chalice of the sun

 

Rae Crossman

Set for soprano by Emily Dolittle.                                                                        Set for choir by Leonard Enns and performed by DaCapo Chamber Choir

Poem in a Pocket Leads to Singing in a Parkade: Blog post at The New Quarterly