This is beautiful, almost beyond words. Requiem, composed by Victoria Kelly, sung by Simon O'Neil, based on a Sam Hunt poem of the same name. Wonderfully secular and deeply moving - especially the last verse.

They say ‘the lighthouse keeper’s world is round’ -
The only lighthouse keeper that I know
Inhabits space, his feet well clear of ground.
I say he is of light, of midnight snow.

That other lighthouse keeper – he they say
Whose world is round – is held responsible
For manning his one light by night; by day,
For polishing his lenses, bulb and bell.

My man, my friend who lately leaves,
Is quite another type.
He climbs no spiral stairs but go he does to man the night
To reappear among his polished stars

Via Bill Manhire on BlueSky

#Requiem #VictoriaKelly #SamHunt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCTROptH2aw

Infinity Sessions | Victoria Kelly & Simon O'Neill | Requiem

YouTube

I should also add there is a Te reo Māori version, He Taurere, sung by Anika Moa.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ferqjh601B8

'He Taurere' performed by Anika Moa

YouTube

That silence at the end gave me goosepimples.

@paulhellyer

@BobLefridge Yes, it was very affecting. I could imagine having that played at my funeral.