Signal

"Signal" is the fourth song of David Leisner's song cycle Confiding. The poetry of this song is by Gene Scaramellino.

This cycle is available in versions for high voice and piano, medium voice and piano, and high voice and guitar.

The audio selection in the player to the right features Emily Albrink, soprano, and David Leisner, guitar. The recording is from a live performance in Purchase, NY in 2007. Used with the permission of the composer.

Date: 1986Composer: David LeisnerText: Gene ScaramellinoSong Collection: Confidence

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Text

Signal
by Gene Scaramellino

In my most autistic times,
When verbal thought is drowning,
And silence seems the only choice,
I will motion to you from a raft.

Where am I drifting to?
The past swims up, dreams surface.

A springlit evening, I stood on the shore,
Holding a green balloon by its string.
A sea breeze – careless fingers –
And it slipped from my hand.

Waves swirled around my feet,
And racing, I chased the dancing string.
But it was floating upward
And I was only swimming out.

It’s just a smudge of emerald in the sky now.
I wait for waves to lilt me back.
So watch me from the sand.
Watch my hands and watch my eyes.

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Audio

Track:

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