SATB + solo and piano

NOTE FROM THE COMPOSER

Life is about accepting that "change" is inevitable; it is learning how to find peace in the midst of uncertainty; and life is acknowledging and respecting the past, living in the present, and preparing for the future.  Life is a journey, and the journey is amazingly beautiful.  ("La Vitaé Bella!")

TEXT

One idle July afternoon when I was one and ten, and barefoot free,
Lost in cloudless days, carefree innocence, 
With waking curiosity, I climb'd up in the apple tree
And look'd out and dream'd of life beyond this place.   

La vitaé bella,
My credo, my stay.
La vitaé bella,
My shelter alway.

One hurried July afternoon when I was one and twenty, running free,
Lost in all that was, lost in all that is,
Impatient to grow roots and wings, I walk'd right past the apple tree
And look'd out and left all memories behind.

La vitaé bella,
My credo, my stay.
La vitaé bella,
My shelter alway

One lay July afternoon when I was one and sixty, maybe more,
Lost in hollow dreams and vain delusion,
Now years have pass'd, no longer can I climb into the apple tree
I look'd out and realiz'd that life had been there all the time.

La vitaé bella,
My credo, my stay.
La vitaé bella,
My shelter alway