The Woman in the Shadow
Nora Hopper Chesson
1871 to 1906
"Sweet, sweet, sweet," says the greenfinch in the meadow,
"Sweet" sings the willow-wren as he seeks his mate;
"Sweet, sweet, sweet," but the woman in the shadow
Whispers « Wait!"
"Sweet, sweet, sweet!" cries the south wind at his fleetest,
Bending down the buttercups in their golden state —
"Sweet!" but a softer voice than his at sweetest,
Answers "Wait."
The bleak wind, the north wind has breathed on the lilies.
Harried is the wren's nest, wounded goes his mate,
Where we dreamed of Love himself a veiled shape still is.
But she's Fate.
Where's the use of keening? what help in weeping
When the fair thing, the rare thing lies coffined at our feet.
But the woman in the shadow from the other side of sleeping
Whispers "Sweet!"
Nora Hopper Chesson's The Woman in the Shadow
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- Deep analysis of the poem's rhythm, structure, and emotional essence
- Careful selection of musical styles that enhance the poem's unique voice
- Balancing traditional poetic expression with contemporary sound landscapes
- Multiple revisions to ensure the arrangement honors the poet's original vision
This creative journey takes time—each composition represents hours of dedicated work to create something that deepens our connection to Nora Hopper Chesson's words in meaningful ways.
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