Dana Gioia recites his poem "Prayer"

Poet and critic Dana Gioia recites his poem "Prayer" about the death of his firstborn son. The poem was set to music by composer Morten Lauridsen. Dana recited the poem at his home in Sonoma County, California.
Originally printed in his 1991 book "The Gods of Winter," the poem is reprinted in his most recent book "99 Poems: New & Selected".
"Prayer" by Dana Gioia
Echo of the clocktower, footstep
in the alleyway, sweep
of the wind sifting the leaves.
Jeweller of the spiderweb, connoisseur
of autumn's opulence, blade of lightning
harvesting the sky.
Keeper of the small gate, choreographer
of entrances and exits, midnight
whisper traveling the wires.
Seducer, healer, deity or thief,
I will see you soon enough-
in the shadow of the rainfall,
in the brief violet darkening a sunset-
but until then I pray watch over him
as a mountain guards its covert ore
and the harsh falcon its flightless young.

[@hasanali948]

This is a deeply felt poem. Thank you.

[@DanaGioiaPoet]

The poem is too personal for me to say more than a sincere 'Thank you'.

[@MrHarvey00]

Magnificent, Mr. Gioia. Prayers ascending also for his repose.

[@elizabethwoolnough4358]

You are a great poet, Mr Gioia.

[@dgavin3698]

Dana-its Donna, as I knew you were a poet and a writer, I never really knew how beautiful your writing is. Thank you for sharing this! I cant wait to listen to many more of your writings. Great to see you on here.

[@jonasperez949]

The scene is gorgeous. Natural like the poetry. My favorite part was "choreographer of entrances and exits" beautiful

[@deirdremcquade9690]

"Jeweler of the spiderweb" --- stunning!

[@chrysmollett8595]

Entrancing.
Unfolding
Wide awake beauty!

[@srfgrn]

I love your fierceness from "until then" on -- the courage of Job!

Thank You❤

[@chrysmollett8595]

Thank you again & again Dana G

[@luzi496]

Thank you

[@jenelms905]

Pitch perfect, lovely. 🙏😊

[@519djw6]

*Beautiful!* This reminds me to a certain extent of Richard Wilbur's "Song," a translation from the Portuguese of Vinicius de Moraes.

[@silviaortiz7410]

I like poetry so much, English is my second language but I'm interested in reading more

[@danagioia9056]

My mother's maiden name was Ortiz.

[@IonaGrave]

@@danagioia9056 Do include your magnificent 'Ballad of Jesus Ortiz'

[@IsmailHossain-dh3fs]

Thanks for reciting this great work. So touchy, so magnificent.