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Beech and Willow

from Root, Seed, Thorn and Flower by Anne Lister

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about

Again, from my play. Based on a traditional riddle song.

lyrics

I have four sisters beyond the sea (Perrie, merrie, dixie, domine)
And these are the gifts they sent to me (Perrie, merrie, dixie, domine)
Petrum, partrum, paradisie, temporie. (Perrie, merrie, dixie, domine)

The first sent a chicken without a bone
The second sent a cherry without a stone

The third sent a book no man can read
The fourth sent a blanket without a thread.

How can there be a chicken without a bone
How can there be a cherry without a stone

How can there be a book no man can read
How can there be a blanket without a thread

When the chicken’s in the eggshell there is no bone
When the cherry’s in the bud there is no stone

When the book’s in the press no man can read
When the blanket’s in the fleece there is no thread.

I have a sister beyond the sea (Rowan, birch and apple tree)
These are the gifts she sent to me.

She sent me a knife with a curving blade
She sent me moonlight without shade

She sent me power in a crystal key
She sent me wisdom and the gift to see.

She sent me Waste Lands to make whole
She sent me healing in a silver bowl.

She sent me a crown to make me queen
Of the future and what has been.

credits

from Root, Seed, Thorn and Flower, released April 29, 2022
Caitlin Matthews - vocal.

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about

Anne Lister Wales, UK

Anne is best known for her song "Icarus", recorded and performed by a number of different singers, including Martin Simpson and Nic Jones. "Astrolabe" is her ninth solo album.

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