The Arctic Tern’s Prayer

SATB (div), c. 4'40" (2021)

Commissioned by Nazareth College Chamber Choir, Brian M. Stevens, director.

The arctic tern has the longest migration path of any bird species in the world. These sleek gray and white birds breed in the Arctic during the northern summer months and migrate to the Antarctic coast for the southern summer, traveling at least 25,000 miles and seeing more daylight than any other creature over the course of each year. I discovered this poem after learning of my friend and collaborator Brian Stevens’ love of bird watching, searching for a poem in honor of these creatures and their resilience. These beautiful birds and their journey are perfectly encapsulated by the urgency and lyricism in Mary Anne Clark’s stunning poem, The Arctic Tern’s Prayer.

Click here for perusal score.