October 25, 2018, I have written a poem to go with this piece. It will be read at it's premier in the Los Angeles Composer's Collective Concert on Dec. 8, 2018. ~Danielle Rosaria

1. Oak Trees

Softly walking, pearly shoes, beneath the leafy crowns of oak, Turquoise gown, eyes cast down, The Princess is in exile.

Spread across a deep blue sky, Oak trees hold their dark black lace, Through their holes and jagged corners Castle spires soar.

Once she owned the land and kingdom, With love by day and dreams by night, Now she walks among the spirits, In these forest shadows.

2. Solitude

As the darkness thick descends her mantle now to be Eternity seems but as blackness Yet with something she can’t see.

Down upon her knees she comes The pointed leaves to catch her fall. She says, “Oh God, the One Who made me, What would you have me do?”

The darkness never leaves nor falters, But within her heart a whisper, “Look into you soul, my Princess, I am waiting there.”

As she looks in quiet stillness, In her soul she finds a spark! It is, yes, her own true life there! She lost all to find herself.

3. Cityscape

Then in a flash she sees the way! The blazing fire now the road! Upon the backs of wild horses, She rides to meet the king.

Purple, gold against the skyline His great castle, west way sits. Cruel and cunning, selfish, mean, Is this lord of the earth.

Over meadow, through cold mist, Up and up and through the walls, People hear her and come running, “Who is she?” they ask.

On she rides though ancient city, As the people gather fast. Right up to the castle fortress. Down she jumps at last.

Now I have never heard this happen, But on one occasion, here, This great, mean and selfish king, Came himself to meet her.

“Look you upon one you conquered!” Shouts the bold and fearless girl! “Look you, ruthless, cruel and spiteful, Yes, for you prayed!”

4. Clouds Touching Hills

Darkness never can embrace a light that’s true, however small. Clouds that once were weeping sadness, Can gently touch the hills.

King and Princess, when they stopped, looking to the other’s face, saw their hatred melt and vanish in the presence of humanity.

The clouds descend, the night mist ends by kissing grass and ancient walls. King and Princess loved each other and the land was healed.