This hymn was written by Dorothy Ann Thrup in the 1800’s. The music was later composed by William B. Bradbury. “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead us” is still a popular hymn in many Christian churches today.
I hope you enjoy this double strung harp arrangement! First, I play the hymn as I would on a “normal” harp, or lyre, having one row of strings. Then, I play with both hands in the same octave. They don’t interfere with each other, because each hand has an entirely separate, parallel row of strings all to itself. Fascinating, isn’t it?
“Look, Mom! No hands!”
I rode my bike with abandon.
And suddenly it became a horse,
My faithful steed,
Transporting me from the world where I lived
To the world where I wanted to live…
To a world without limits,
Free of judgments and pain—
A world of love
And possibility!
My trusty steed is gone,
A too small bike discarded.
But I still hold the magic
In my mind
And heart!
Last year I played this traditional Welsh tune on lyre. You can listen to it here
and compare it to this version, played on double strung harp. The beauty of this harp is that each hand has access to its entire range, and the hands never run into each other’s playing area. This allows echoing and other effects not possible on a single strung (i.e. regular or normal) harp.
This poem started with just 4 lines. But as I wrote, it expanded. After I went to bed last night, glad to have written my NaPoWriMo contribution for the day, it occurred to me it would make a great song! And the music was there, so I captured it on my double strung harp while it was still fresh in my mind. When Eugi left a comment saying the poem could be a song, I knew I had to record it and include the audio here. So, here it is! Thank you very much, Eugi!
What can I say about Sue Vincent? My words will fall short, no matter
how well meant. Still I will pay tribute to her life and legacy.
I only knew Sue from her blog, Sue Vincent’s Daily echo,
particularly her #Writephoto posts and humorous “small dog” poems from
Annie’s point of view. I also very much enjoyed her posts on The Silent Eye,
where she directed, taught, ran workshops, and mentored students in
their Mystery School.
Even throughout her illness and hospitalization, Sue continued to
share beautiful poetry, including her lovely #MidnightHaiku series
which has been published in book form. She never failed to inspire and
support her fellow bloggers, whether or not she had met them in
person. I am one of those bloggers. Her prompts provided the
inspiration for me to begin writing songs again, after a long hiatus.
In fact, “Seed of a Dream” is a piece I wrote in response to one of
her #Writephoto prompts last year. I’m sharing it today, played on
double strung harp and Coda EDC Flute, in loving memory of Sue
Vincent.
I invite anyone who would like, to share your favorite memories of
Sue, how she helped or inspired you, and anything else you choose to
share. I also hope this piece brings you comfort and peace in this
time of grieving.
If you haven’t done so already, please visit Stuart France’s post
sharing excerpts from Sue’s funeral service: A Life Well Lived.
This harp is quite special, a fabulous thing!
A portable package with two rows of strings!
You’re hearing the magical, mystical sound
Of new possibilities looked for—and found!
O listen for echoing phrases intwined
To harmonize body with heart, soul and mind.
A pleasure to play and a blessing to hear;
We celebrate now: Daphne Phoenix appears!
And don’t forget Zephyr, the EDC* Flute,
A song in your pocket and awfully cute!
*EDC: Everyday Carry
—-
Music and poem written especially for Denise’s #SixSentenceStories effervescent prompt:
Earth
Our home
Our mother
Sustaining life
Helping us survive
O let us do the same
Offering free compassion
To our mother and her children
People, plants, animals, resources
For how long can we go on without love?
The rainbow shimmers pure and bright
With hidden hopes just round the bend
And pot of gold there at its end!
O would it not bring such delights?
We think by day and dream by night,
Forgetting current time and space
For what could be and giving chase.
Yet meanwhile, as we race and run,
Our time has passed, and life is done.
How have we spent our given grace?
Mystical Strings 
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