Pebble

The pebble
is a perfect creature

equal to itself
mindful of its limits

filled exactly
with a pebbly meaning

with a scent that does not remind one of anything
does not frighten anything away does not arouse
desire

its ardour and coldness
are just and full of dignity

I feel a heavy remorse
when I hold it in my hand
and its noble body
is permeated by false warmth

--Pebbles cannot be tamed
to the end they will look at us
with a calm and very clear eye

Zbigniew Herbert

[click here for sample pages of the music]

More information about Herbert Zbigniew can be found on
The New Presence website:
http://www.new-presence.cz/98/10/herbert.html

Another good website for background is:
http://www.complete-review.com/authors/herbertz.htm

"To My Dear and Loving Husband"

If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were loved by wife, then thee;
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee, give recompense.
Thy love is such I can no way repay,
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persevere
That when we live no more, we may live ever.

Ann Bradstreet ( 1613-1673)

Painting by LADONNA GULLEY WARRICK Anne Bradstreet, The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America
Oil on canvas, 22.5 x 30.5

A native of Fort Wayne, LaDonna Gulley Warrick attended the Fort Wayne Art School on scholarship, received the I.H.S.S.A. Gold Key Award, and studied oil portraiture with Daniel Greene. Her portraits have been shown in exhibits at the Tri-Kappa Art Exhibits, Artlink Members Shows, and the Fort Wayne Women's Club.