When I Rise Up

For Choir (SATB) and Piano (2020)

About This Piece:

         As a woman of color, Georgia Douglas Johnson faced a myriad of adversities, which she beautifully paints an image of herself transcending in this short poem. However, the lack of specificity of the poem allows it to invoke a powerful, universal feeling of freedom from the oppressive weight of one’s personal hardships.

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Poem:

When I rise up above the earth,
And look down on the things that fetter me,
I beat my wings upon the air,
Or tranquil lie,

Surge after surge of potent strength
Like incense comes to me
When I rise up above the earth
And look down upon the things that fetter me.