Here is a piece I wrote for Christmas using a poem by Anne Porter for the text. It is in a modern classical style for SATB a cappella choir. I endeavored to interpret the meaning of the poem musically, showing the stark difference between mundane traditions and that which is truly inspired. Noel was sung by members of the Odessa Christian Faith Center choir, directed by Stephanie Carter, December 23, 2012. Hope you enjoy!

Noel

When snow is shaken
From the balsam trees
And they're cut down
And brought into our houses

When clustered sparks
Of many-colored fire
Appear at night
In ordinary windows

We hear and sing
The customary carols

They bring us ragged miracles
And hay and candles
And flowering weeds of poetry
That are loved all the more
Because they are so common

But there are carols
That carry phrases
Of the haunting music
Of the other world
A music wild and dangerous
As a prophet's message

Or the fresh truth of children
Who though they come to us
From our own bodies

Are altogether new
With their small limbs
And birdlike voices

They look at us
With their clear eyes
And ask the piercing questions
God alone can answer.