May We Not Return - SSAA and Piano

In the years of 2020 and 2021, one phrase I kept hearing over and over was "I can't wait until things return to normal." The pandemic, however, seemed to bring to the forefront many problems that were obviously a problem long before Covid-19. Issues of hatred, inequity, greed, and injustice plagued our lives. Instead of reaching out, we often found ourselves turning away. Our choices were driven by selfishness and ego. It dawned on me that the radical self-reflection we were all forced to face could become an agent for good. Perhaps there would be no greater time than ever to create a new future. May we rise toward a world that shelters humanity in love, equity, generosity, and justice for all. This piece is the closing selection in a work called "Phoenix: A Trilogy of Hope." It is not meant to just be performed with a specific event in mind, but a timeless anthem for many years to come. My fellow humans, may we strengthen the world with the power of song.
 
May we not return to days bygone
We look back with reminiscence
But why do we yearn?
For what do we wish to return?
Inscribed in our existence
were hatred, inequity, avarice, and injustice
Instead of reaching out we turned away
Selfishness ruled our lives
The time has come for all to rise
May we rise toward a NEW future
A world that shelters humanity in love,
equity, generosity, and justice for ALL.