by Kevin John William Crossley-Holland (b. 1941)
A cross of wood
Language: English
I am supple of body and sport with the wind. I am clothed in finery, and the storm's great friend. Ready to travel, but troubled by fire, A glade in full bloom, and a burning flame, Friends often pass me from hand to hand. And I am kissed by ladies and courteous men, But when I rise up, with reverence Proud men shall bow to me; I bring Man's happiness to full maturity. And do tell me what I am. [The Answer:] A Cross of wood.
Text Authorship:
- by Kevin John William Crossley-Holland (b. 1941), after the Old English of The Exeter Book. [author's text not yet checked against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by Arthur Edward Drummond Bliss, Sir (1891 - 1975), "A cross of wood", published 1964, first performed 1963 [ baritone and instrumental ensemble ], from A knot of riddles, no. 6 [sung text checked 1 time]
Researcher for this page: Ted Perry
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 11
Word count: 86