GLYN LEHMANN

A requiem for the forests that have been destroyed. In the hope of saving those still remaining.

For SSAA and piano
with optional string quartet and percussion

duration 8:30

With text written in the first person, I Stand Silent (Forest Requiem) is a forest reflecting on its destruction by humans.

It begins…

Dawn of my day, so fresh so sweet
Cloud bank shreds and sunlight creeps

The forest is a refuge for birds, animals, insects and plants…

Swooping shadows scar my ground
Raucous choirs echo loud
So much to nurture
So many to hide

The forest reflects on the timeless nature of its existence…

I stand silent with ancient pride
Day after day, year after year
That's how it was, how it was for me here

Until one day…

On and on the invaders surge
Ruthless power, ruthless purge

Acknowledging its inability to save itself or those it shelters…

I cannot help my refugees
I feel their pain, I hear their pleas

Finally…

I stand silent
I have no voice
Day after day, year after year
Never again will I stand proudly here

Gone, gone, gone