Choral Prelude

Choral Prelude I, the River, dream of ravens With instantly inventing, And so liberating voice, Ask the Christ,to look down and weep, How man, o viscous man, Has my banks destroyed.

I, in flowing, know, in falling Each and every rectifying, Crucifying dam.

Have you not courage to rip All the ropes, my sweet, my life, From my rocky vale.

You know I am free To drown their sleeping tents.

Kill, sweet sugar Christ, o Jesus, The violent apes Who spoil my very cliffs Which blaze with grace.

Carl Estrin