Asia’s Rain

A few years ago I was reciting William Blake’s Ah Sun-Flower to my son when a tune popped into my head.

I sang it through a few times and the tune seemed to fit very nicely with the poem.  Since I have no formal musical training, I made a recording of myself singing it and sent it to a professional musician to have it produced.

The following mp3 is the resulting production which I received.  The song is sung and produced by Mike Jasper of Austin, TX using my tune and William Blake’s original poem.

I hope you enjoy it as a diversion from my usual poetry postings. 

Happy New Year, and may you all find your own “sweet golden clime[s]” in 2009.

Ah Sunflower

I shake like I do when I come from the lake in September
When you come to me wrapped in your water weeds and flowers
That look of youth betrayed misting over the light you used to shine
To attract your lover. Hamlet. Bastard.
I still blame you for choosing him when I could have used you as easily
But look at my trembling hands to know I never would.
I am uncontrollable when you wrap your cold pleading arms around my shoulders
With the shuddering and chattering of the dying or the virgin lover.
You know that I would give you everything, but can give you nothing.
Once a petal has been plucked it cannot be replaced.
Here’s Sunflower for your journey;
I hope it keeps you warm.