For SATB Chorus (divisi) and piano
By Gwyneth Walker
This is a song of hope--of building a bridge of peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Their trees (Jaffa Orange in Israel, Olive on Arab lands) reach out their branches as hands across the sky. The musical setting presents the opening verses in dialogue between women's and men's voices. A combative middle section introduces words such as oppressor and jailor. Reference is made to poisoned gases and scud missiles. And then the music heals. There is a shift to the major tonality. The voices soar with the phrases "let us build a strong bridge of jasmine understanding, where each shall sit with her child, and none shall make them afraid."
Duration: 4:00