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About the Composer
Timothy C. Takach
Graphite Publishing
She Does Not Let Go
It is important to recognize each other during times of struggle and act with care, with empathy, and with support.
2-part treble voices, piano
This delightful song by Takach captures the delicate essence of Mexican poet Manuel Iris’ text. Alternating between lovely unison singing and call and response partner lines, the two treble parts are very accessible for younger voices, and can be gorgeously sung by older treble singers. This piece can be taught using diatonic solfege (except for a few repeated instances of “te” towards the end).
Composer’s Notes
The amazing thing about art is that we all take away different things from the same work. You may read Manuel’s thoughts about his poem below and feel in accord with his more literal representation of the leaf, and yet I took the meaning much more figuratively. I thought immediately about the leaf as a person, being lifted and supported by another caring individual. We need to realize
more often how important it is to recognize each other during times of struggle and act with care, with empathy, and with support. Many of us don’t ask for help, even though we may need it desperately.
Recognize the battle. Recognize the tiny tragedies.
Recognize the persistence.
– Timothy C. Takach, 2020
From the Poet:
Poetry is one way to keep alive what otherwise would fade into oblivion. The humble leaf, the tree from which it clung, no longer exist, nor do I live in that apartment, with that balcony, any longer. However, when I read these words I am there once again, along with the leaf and the tree. Thanks to poetry, this moment will not be forgotten: it is always happening in the present. Everything in it escaped death.
Sometimes a poem is an act of magic.
– Manuel Iris, 2020
Text
Stubborn, the yellow leaf
does not let go of the branch.
I watch her battle
against wind and rain,
against gravity.
For days, I’ve been watching
her quiet effort,
her tiny tragedy.
Her persistence
does not deserve oblivion.
That is why
I put her here,
in this verse
from which she will not fall.
– “Ars Poetica” from Traducir el silencio by Manuel Iris (Artepoética Press, 2018).
Copyright © 2018 by Manuel Iris. Reprinted and used with permission from Manuel Iris.
$2.15 per licensed PDF
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