Clearwood Forest

This is a lovely winter piece that I wrote a few years ago; I love Christmas and winter and this piece reflects the beauty of winter. The words and music were inspired by walks I used to take in the snow at night with my children. As a published flute ensemble work this piece is played around the world at this time of year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI0kT6bl0WI

LAMENT FOR ALL SOULS’ DAY Let the night watch continue It did not end that eve Your mem’ry lives in bone and sinew Of all who here believe. As Christ received your blessed soul Brought it to Spring, from Fall, He will be there at each bell’s toll Accepting one and all. I hear the lych owl’s mournful cry, I know it cries for me, But though I’m made of dust, to die, My home’s eternity. ©2017 Lewis A. Kocher

MOON Both king and queen Of all the skies: The full moon's seen Upon its rise; It pushes out The brightest star The wolves all shout From near and far - The ravens call The foxes say: "Night creatures all In forests play." The moon looks down The earth to see: On tree and town, And little me. And so I peep From window pane Before I sleep, Its light to gain. (c)2017 Lewis A. Kocher

FAIRY ENCOUNTER I once saw a fairy And wondered just where he Would go when he’d see A big person like me. Would he think it good To hide in the woods? Or maybe to fly Way up high in the sky? But he just sat and looked And thought to himself: “Will that big person run When he sees this small elf?” I wasn’t the one Who wanted to run; And neither was he As he sat by his tree. So I smiled and stayed Where we had fun and played. Although I was tall And he was so small; We learned in the end We each had a friend: And neither was scary; Not me, not the fairy. ©2017 Lewis A. Kocher

THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR PLEASE NOTE: This poem is about the mystical Wheel of the Year, a wheel that speaks of eight seasons, not four. The layout of the poem is: Verse one - symbols of the first four seasons, in order Verse two - names of the first four seasons, in order Verse three - symbols of the second group of four seasons, in order Verse four - names of the second group of four seasons, in order The Wheel of the Year contains many celebrations that are important to many people, and this poem is a great meme for remembering the eight seasons in order! :) ==================================== THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR Colors bold Let the wheel turn Winter's cold And the wheel turns; Fires bright Let the wheel turn Equal night And the wheel turns; Samhain, Yule, Imbolc too: Cold earth grows to warm. Ostara's perfume, Flowers true: Each thing in its turn. Lambkins bleat Let the wheel turn Berries sweet And the wheel turns; Sun holds sway Let the ...

SONG OF LAMMAS How many blackberries Will make a pie? I have picked them; If you make the pie We will share it, you and I. The berries hid Where rain met dew; The geese honked The goldfinch flew, The eagles squealed as I picked. How many blackberries will make a pie? Can summer be found, Can Lammas last, In a small black berry? I taste summer I taste the harvest... How many blackberries will make a pie? I will pick You will bake And together we will take One slice Then share with friends. Tell me: How many blackberries will make a pie? (c) 2017 Lewis A. Kocher

WHERE FAERIES WALK Where faeries walk, My heart walks too: Side by side And two by two. They dance in rings Of faerie light; They dance unseen Throughout the night. And as they dance Though I’m not there, They know I know: They know I care. And with a smile I slumber on; My dreams are filled With faerie song. ©2017 Lewis A. Kocher www.crowtower.com