We’re proud to present the poetry for “Now We Belong,” written by Michael Dennis Browne, for the original work the Chorale will perform Jan. 20 at the inauguration.
“The opportunity,” Browne said, “is to say something as vividly and wholeheartedly as possible on an occasion which draws the scrutiny of the entire world.”
“Now We Belong”
Here are the voices of every creature,
Here are the calls of every heart;
Here is the place of strangers’ welcome,
We who once walked in strangers’ shoes.
Once we were strangers,
We were welcomed,
Now we belong and believe in this land.
Here are the rivers of many echoes,
Here are the leaves of every tree;
Within us live the long horizons,
Winds that stir the sacred stones.
Once we were strangers,
We were welcomed,
Now we belong and believe in this land.
Keep faith, keep watch,
Take heart, take courage,
Guard mind, guard spirit.
Feed love, feed longing.
Here are the cities where we have gathered,
Here are the barns where hope is stored;
We are the gleams of every being,
Filled with the dreams that build the day.
Once we were strangers,
We were welcomed,
Now we belong and believe in this land.
Keep faith,
Guard mind,
Take heart,
Guard spirit,
Take courage,
Keep watch.
Feed longing,
Feed love.
Beutifully performed the trendy piece. Intentional dissonance and absence of melody is always challenging but appeared to be on the spot. The choir did their part in making the piece as beautiful as possible.
Well done. Beautiful piece, beautifully performed.
You brought the otherwise missing poetry to today’s event. A beautiful and inspiring performance. Thank you!
Thank you, thank you for this. It was the part of the ceremony that was unifying and inspirational and heartened me. Loved the lyrics and beautifully orchestrated. Courageous! I am curious if lyrics needed to be approved by the committee? Thank you!
No approval was needed on the text. You can also learn more about the background and development of the piece.
Thanks, Sara, for your answer and link!
This poem and the MSU Chorale’s rendition of it, brought the 2017 Presidential Inauguration ceremony to an ethereal height, reminiscent of that offered by John F. Kennedy, so many years ago. Thank you, students and Dr. Carmeron LaBarr!
Great poem. Thanks.