Song of the Morning - Ben Burkholder

Lyrics- Silent, cold, and dark the night in winter lies. The shadows creep, the weary sleep beneath the threatening skies. The voices of the day Are no more to be heard. Shouts, prayers, and cries — each sound, it dies for silence slays the word. Though clear, the air is cruel; the wind howls fast and fierce. ‘round the exposed no coat, no clothes His hands and feet are pierced Outside, the way is black for now the night has won. The earth is blind for humankind no longer loves the Sun. But look, at dawn a light! It warms and wakes the sky. Death-stone break, Sleeper, wake, Hope springs no more to die