scatterlings
stray thoughts and unsorted things
We’ve been friends and occasional musical collaborators for more than 20 years. In that time we've created – or at least procrastinated over – a great many unheard, unfinished, possibly unhinged works of dubious artistic merit.
For better or for worse, these now have a home.
Shaun and Glyn
G
I found this nest outside the door to our house.
The maker had lined it with hair from our dog.
May I be that resourceful, and create with such care.
The maker had lined it with hair from our dog.
May I be that resourceful, and create with such care.
S
Drums of War
Winter frost on hallowed ground
Gentle steps and muted sounds
Gleaming stones where soldiers lay
Sacred dust in sacred clay
Some say it was God that chose
All the young men lain in rows
God that sent them on their way
God that set the price they paid
I wonder though how did God choose?
On what grounds did he refuse
The prayers that surely came his way
From young men on their dying day?
On the news today I see
Untroubled by history
A sombre man with steely jaw
Said he could hear the drums of war
The grim disciples gathered round
And said they too could hear that sound
‘I’ll take the needed steps,’ said he
You can place your trust in me
And so the cycle starts again
With nimble words and wilful men
Vested truths and strangers’ blood
The hawk again devours the dove
So when again the bugle sounds
And more are cradled in the ground
Let’s not tell that lie again
Not wars of God but wars of men
I wonder now how will God choose?
On what grounds will he refuse
The prayers to surely come his way
From our children on their dying day?
August 2021
Winter frost on hallowed ground
Gentle steps and muted sounds
Gleaming stones where soldiers lay
Sacred dust in sacred clay
Some say it was God that chose
All the young men lain in rows
God that sent them on their way
God that set the price they paid
I wonder though how did God choose?
On what grounds did he refuse
The prayers that surely came his way
From young men on their dying day?
On the news today I see
Untroubled by history
A sombre man with steely jaw
Said he could hear the drums of war
The grim disciples gathered round
And said they too could hear that sound
‘I’ll take the needed steps,’ said he
You can place your trust in me
And so the cycle starts again
With nimble words and wilful men
Vested truths and strangers’ blood
The hawk again devours the dove
So when again the bugle sounds
And more are cradled in the ground
Let’s not tell that lie again
Not wars of God but wars of men
I wonder now how will God choose?
On what grounds will he refuse
The prayers to surely come his way
From our children on their dying day?
August 2021
S
I put this together to inspire others. Or maybe that was me?
S
Shaminda Thanapadhi was held in detention on Manus Island by the Australian government from 2013 to 2020. An asylum seeker from Sri Lanka, he used Twitter to communicate to friends and supporters during this time.
On 10 June 2019 he tweeted: 'It's a very quiet night but I can still hear the cries of men trapped in their rooms. Every night is long and passes very slowly. This quietness is overwhelming and only exacerbates our grief and loneliness. Every time I close my eyes I dream that I am free.'
On 10 June 2019 he tweeted: 'It's a very quiet night but I can still hear the cries of men trapped in their rooms. Every night is long and passes very slowly. This quietness is overwhelming and only exacerbates our grief and loneliness. Every time I close my eyes I dream that I am free.'
Bark images by Glyn. Instagram @treebarkart
Please, if you can, support the organisations in Australia and worldwide who advocate for the rights of refugees.
https://asrc.org.au
https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au
https://www.refugeesinternational.org
Please, if you can, support the organisations in Australia and worldwide who advocate for the rights of refugees.
https://asrc.org.au
https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au
https://www.refugeesinternational.org
G
I Stand Silent
Written for SSAA choir, piano, string quartet, 2 percussion.
Words by Phil Cummings, Music by Glyn Lehmann
"...we now have 3 trillion fewer trees across the world than at the start of human civilization."
- David Attenborough
This recording made for demonstration purposes.
Written for SSAA choir, piano, string quartet, 2 percussion.
Words by Phil Cummings, Music by Glyn Lehmann
"...we now have 3 trillion fewer trees across the world than at the start of human civilization."
- David Attenborough
This recording made for demonstration purposes.