“Upon the Willows” was the first piece that
Brook Boddie
composed for harp. He wrote it in memory of his mother. Here I’ve arranged it for lyre (or small harp) in the key of C, in memory of Brook. I hope you enjoy this arrangement of his beautiful musical tribute!
Here is a video of Brook Boddie playing “Upon the Willows” on a floor harp.
Here is a hymn that to me is also a bluegrass classic. I have heard numerous bluegrass versions, both live and on recordings, and played some myself as solos and with other musicians. In fact, the first time I remember hearing it, I was very young and attending Vacation Bible School. A husband and wife were in charge of children’s music, and we sang this with great gusto, while he played guitar and she played mandolin. Ever since then, this hymn has always brought a smile to my face and comfort to my heart. It’s fun and relatively easy to play, and while it could also be played slowly, it has a hopeful spirit.
“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” dates back to 1887. The melody, and lyrics to the refrain, were written by Anthony J. Showalter. Elisha Hoffman wrote the remaining lyrics.
My favorite verse is:
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have bless-ed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
I hope you enjoy listening to this lyre arrangement as much as I enjoy playing it!
Light of Heaven (You Love Him, Too)
I wrote this song in memory of Brook Boddie, a wonderful harpist, composer, and arranger. I didn’t know he began playing harp in his 30’s, or that he also played piano and organ in his church. There are many things I wasn’t able to experience about this humble man, including meeting him in person. However, I recognize his loving spirit and giving, selfless, gentle soul through his music and the encouragement he shared throughout the harp community. Brook passed away on July 15, 2020, and will be forever loved. I pray his soul continues to be eternally blessed, and that God grants peace to all those Brook touched who are grieving right now.
Here is another piece, composed and played by harpist Anne Crosby Gaudet, in memory of Brook. It is called “The Sparrow.” You can find more information about both Brook’s and Anne’s music in her Youtube description links.
1. You brought the Light
Of Heaven to earth
Because you gave all the glory
To the Lord who gave you birth.
God blessed your soul,
And your life story told
So everyone knew
You love Him, too.
2. Heard in your music
Is profound peace and love,
Lifting the world up
To see His Kingdom come.
Humbly you showed
We are really not alone,
And everyone knew
You love Him, too.
3. Though I never met you,
I can feel in your song
All the roads you traveled
As God lead you along.
You journey still
With your soul in His Will,
Eternal and true.
You love Him, Too.
You’re going on
With your Heavenly song
And Spirit renewed.
You love Him, too.
You love Him, too.
I had a bright idea once,
To get a little pet.
My nephews had a hermit crab,
And one fine day we met.
I put my finger in the cage,
A kind of little bowl.
I’m lucky when I pulled it out
The finger was still whole!
No hermit crab for me, it’s clear,
And no tropical bird.
A peacock, so I hear, is loud,
And must have the last word.
If not pets, then a garden full
Of flow’rs and fruits and trees,
Beginning with a lotus
And some pomegranate seeds.
The only baby’s breath I found
Was lost as my son grew.
Perhaps the pets and gardening
Are not my thing to do.
I had a bright idea once:
Don’t try to fit a mold!
Be happy in God’s plan for me:
Unique, authentic, bold!
—
My response to Linda Kruschke’s
Paint Chip Poetry Prompt #29: Long Lost
God is all my Good
Opening, I’m guided through
Doors to renewed life!
Play or download the poem with lyre accompaniment.
I’m running from the rushing waves
Of angry, stormy seas.
I have no ship or lighthouse,
Just fear surrounding me.
But then a small voice whispers;
I hear above the waves,
“Peace, be still,” and strangely,
It ebbs the fear away.
The Spirit is inside me.
No, I am not alone,
No matter what my life may bring,
Wherever I may roam.
I’m heartened by the still, small voice
Of wisdom, love, and light
That guides me ever onward
Through the raging storms of life.
I’m running to the glistening waves
With courage in my soul.
The sea belongs to Spirit, too,
A thought that makes me bold.
I need no ship or lighthouse;
The Light is mine to share.
It radiates within me
As the Spirit’s loving care.
When seas are rough and ragged,
When hope cannot be found,
When minds give up and seek the Light,
Then “Peace, be still” abounds!
—
Written for Sue Vincent’s
#Writephoto Prompt, Glisten.
Original Song on Ukulele
This song is from the album, “Mother Nature Sings.”
Click here for a free download.
Making Spirit Number One
Integrating Heaven on Earth
Nurturing potential now
Doing God’s Will over yours
Finding purpose for your soul
Uniquely being who you are
Live a better conscious life!
Light expands, fulfills
Lifting mind, inspiring life
I am unshackled.
O it hurts when relationships fail!
You’re a boat without rudder or sail.
But in time you can say
That the end cleared your way
To a harbor where sunshine prevails!
Mystical Strings 
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