Spilled Milk (2017)

for mezzo-soprano and piano

 

Spilled Milk (2017) is a song about a loving mother struggling to make ends meet. She is singing a lullaby to her hungry and

weeping child, reassuring them that all will be ok. Her facade begins to crumble as her struggles worsen. Nevertheless, she reassures the child to the end that everything will be all right and that they were loved. 
 

Spilled Milk
by Coleman Rowlett
(2017)

Hush now, my child.
Rest your worried eyes.
Remember always
How loved you are.

Sleep now, my child.
Your mother’s by your side.
In my arms, you are safe.
Do not be afraid.

Be still, my heart.
Do not worry of the bottle that drips,
the milk seeping into the cracks
of the cold hardwood floor.

Smile, my eyes.
Surely, I have not dried.
This fear, I must hide,
A dignified lie,
I must keep inside!

Oh, my sweet child.
Please do not cry.
Soon, you will drink again.
Remember, sweet angel,
Mommy always loved you.

Premiered on Apr. 8th, 2017 by Julia Gries, mezzo-soprano and Matthew Mason, piano.