THE WAKING David Conte - UBC University Singers, Graeme Langager, conductor
The Waking
by David Conte
UBC University Singers (University of British Columbia)
Graeme Langager, conductor
Kate Utegenova, piano
Recorded at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, Vancouver, Canada
Recording engineer: Will Howie
Choral score published by ECS Publishing (No. 4182)
The Waking
Theodore Roethke - 1908-1963
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.
We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.
Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.
This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.