Faces

Instrumentation:

Duration: 3

Written in: 2009

Category: Vocal

Two short movements based on a poem and a short story by Styles Saas. The work can be performed by a soprano, mezzo soprano, tenor or baritone/bass.

“Friend not found”
I was really sorry to see that
they have
convinced you, that
this is all you are.
I remember you when you knew better and how hard we used to laugh.

“Context”
The smooth cylinder of chalk between my fingers, I begin marking the board – c o – feeling the scrape of the rough surface; watching the dusty trail it leaves – n t – as the hand moves of its own accord, tracing confidently – e – some invisible pattern. Soon – x t – I am finished, letting my arm drop down. I open my mouth, taking a deep breath as I prepare to explain the word, but then pause, releasing the air from my lungs – my eye caught by something. I stare at the shapes before me: the white lines, in stark contrast to their black background; notice how they curve in places, are straight in others, turn back upon themselves and cross, or never meet. Suddenly, I can see the black as the foreground and the white as the background; as if the figures were cut out, and illuminated from behind. Then it flips back again. The marks resting flatly on the board.
I am not able to judge how long I have been standing here, staring. I gradually become aware of the presence of others in the room. I turn to them, hoping for some hint as to what this thing is I’ve written, something that will jog my memory, but it is no help. They are looking down, becoming embarassed for me, and confused. The silence is oppressive. I turn away, back to the board. It is is a short word and must be simple, yet the letters appear as ciphers, and I must concentrate so as not to forget to which language they belong. I wonder now if I have spelled it correctly. I continue to look on, hoping that something comes to me soon.