28th
For I will consider my Cat Marvin.
On Saturday I went to a choral concert of 20th Century Masterworks, including one of my favorite choral works of all time, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, along with Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb, based upon the ecclectic poetry of Christopher Smart. The second piece was a soprano solo for which I am sharing the text below, in honor of our other family member:
For I will consider my Cat [Marvin].
For he is the servant of the Living God, duly and daily serving him.
For at first glance of the glory of God in the East he worships in his way.
For this is done by wreathing his body seven times round with elegant quickness.
For he knows that God is his Saviour.
For God has blessed him in the variety of his movements.
For there is nothing sweeter than his peace when at rest.
For I am possessed of a cat, surpassing in beauty, from whom I take occasion to bless Almighty God.
