Called

Unknown, really, which words,
soft, insistent,
were first whispered to the heart.
No matter, either,
that they were repeated,
in frequent quiet.
Little known of them
but that they formed a question
that was asked,
was always asking,
patient, patient,
waiting.
A call,
waiting
to be recognized,
waiting
for an answer.
Having asked so many others,
bearing fullness of Hope that
this answer will be the Yes,
the Yes that requires
Selflessness, Labor,
Dedication, Love,
Patience,
like its own.

What matters, what is known
is that Yes
was freely given.
Translated here by years
of faithful,
loving,
service
to the music...
...and to the Muse
Who, though in heaven,
comes down to earth again
to dwell in hearts
each time text and sound,
joined by Grace,
becomes complete
and lives within us.

written in honor of the 25 anniversary of Walden Moore as Choirmaster at Trinity Church on the Green, New Haven, CT