Here is a medley of two hymns, “All Creatures of Our God and King” and “Doxology” played on zither.
The melody of “All Creatures of Our God and King” was written by William Henry Draper and first published in 1919. It’s typically an Easter hymn, but any time is good to appreciate the wonders of nature and the thought that they, too, might praise their Creator.
Thomas Ken wrote “Doxology” in 1674. It was actually the final verse of two hymns, “Awake, my soul, and with the sun,” for worship in the morning; and “Glory to thee, my God, this night,” for evening worship. I have never heard these hymns, as far as I know. But I learned “Doxology” as a child, then played it on piano and recorder long before I played harp or zither.
I hope you enjoy my alternating arrangement of these two beautiful hymns!
I can’t see Sue’s photos, but she is kind enough to describe them. Her descriptions and the word prompt speak to the mind’s eye, my imagination. I am a Metaphysician by nature as well as profession, and the prompt always inspires me. Thank you, Sue!
Download “Red Bridge” Mp3
Length: About 5.5 minutes
Instrument: 22-string lyre
Root Chakra Meditation
If you read this poem along with the melody, you’ll notice it can be sung. For Sue Vincent’s #Writephoto Prompt, Painted.
I didn’t actually use the word painted, but hope this still qualifies…
The Red Bridge
Red is the bridge in the color of life,
Leading from fear to the strength of the Light
Burning in darkness, a way through the storm.
Red is a beacon of safety and warmth.
Red is the root of our hearth and our home,
Always inside us wherever we roam.
Here is our Lifeforce, vital and strong,
Building a bridge from the night to the dawn.
Red is the color of passion and truth,
Shining so brightly we cannot refuse.
Rooted in Nature that heals and survives,
Fanning the Flame so our Spirit can thrive..
Red is the bridge in the color of life,
Leading from fear to the strength of the Light
Burning in darkness, a way through the storm.
Red is a beacon of safety and warmth.
Before the hymn, “Let All Things Now Living,” this traditional Welsh tune was already well-known as “The Ash Grove.” One source
points out that many people recognize the hymn because of the familiar melody. I agree – I was one of these people! I played the melody on pennywhistle and recorder long before I knew it was a hymn. This just shows the timeless and versatile nature of music!
My arrangement is played on lyre. I hope you enjoy it!
Here are 2 original songs for Sue Vincent’s #Writephoto Prompt, Dance.
if the audio player does not appear, please visit the post to listen to or download the songs. Thank you!
Dance!
On Ukulele
Also published in Seasons of the Moon, Volume 13 Issue 3 Beltane 2016
Unity in the many
Love without discrimination
Trust in One Self
Intimately known
Making all ways, always
Animating Force
Torch of Infinite Light
Eternal You!
I play the meditation on zither (also called a plucked psaltery or lap harp). Improvisation in the Lydian mode, for those who want to know. 🙂 More importantly, Ripply is the zither’s name, so it was the natural (read: only) choice for this meditation. Please feel free to download and share the mp3!
Rippling Cascade
Water ripples, water flows,
Though we can’t see where it goes.
From the hallowed hidden falls
Back into the Source of All.
Let your body be at ease.
Leave your manic mind in peace.
Safe from rushing here and there,
Now releasing every care.
Feel the rippling water soft,
Taking all the edges off.
Ragged-rough to round and smooth,
Let it cradle, let it soothe.
All the tension you have held
Fades away and gently melts.
You surrender every stress,
Giving thanks for needed rest.
In your mind you find a place
Where the water fills the space.
Deep, renewing, healing womb,
This is your creative room.
All your passions, dreams and play
Come alive again today.
They are not gone; they are not lost.
They are yours, Love pays the cost.
Let the water take your fears,
Loneliness and every tear.
Give your doubts and questions up,
Rippling Spirit fills your cup.
Water comes and water goes,
Urging things to die, or grow.
If there’s something you must leave,
Let it go, and then receive.
For unto you the water comes
To show you where you’re really from:
Made of Spirit more than bone,
Always with you, not alone.
And this body that you wear?
Water is its substance fair.
So let the rippling changes be;
Your Essence: Truth, Eternal, Free!
Water ripples, water flows,
Though we can’t see where it goes.
From the hallowed hidden falls
Back into the Source of All.
“Bunessan” is a traditional Scottish Gaelic tune. In the United States at least, it is better known as the melody of the hymns “Morning Has Broken” and “Child in a Manger.” The 1931 lyrics of “Morning Has Broken” are still under copyright, but we’re free to play “Bunessan” to our hearts’ (and zither’s!) content. Enjoy!
“Dix” is the original title of this melody. It was composed by Conrad Kocher in 1838. The lyrics were written by Folliott Sandford Pierpoint in 1863. Though the text has been set to other melodies, Kocher’s tune is perhaps the most common. It’s the one I learned as a child, and I play it here on lyre. Enjoy, and please share!
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