composed, performed, produced & mixed by © ℗ Gaynor Perry
An act of kindness
What is you
What is me
Lost empress
Decipher her language
Slipping in and out of consciousness
Medicine
Saint Dymphna's Medicine
Illegible handwriting
Eerily crossing out
The art of persuasion
Bending and flexing
And pushing and pulling
Medicine
Saint Dymphna's Medicine
An admission of guilt
Was it you
Was it me
Swallowed whole
By voluminous nights
Medicine
Saint Dymphna's Medicine
They keep trying to trick me
They keep trying to scare me
So
I'm cavorting with wild bears
Embracing the chaos
Medicine
Saint Dymphna's Medicine
Saint Dymphna's Medicine
Seventh-century Irish princess Dymphna was just fifteen years old when her father, the Pagan King Damon, drew his sword and beheaded her because she refused to marry him after her mother’s death—or so the legend goes. She had fled the King’s horrendous advances, escaping to Geel with her confessor priest, two trusted servants, and the King’s fool. You can read more about Dymphna elsewhere; she is the patron saint of mental disorders.
While I was incubating this piece, the component parts assembled themselves like one of those push-up puppets—and there was Dymphna. I wanted to create a sanctuary: a place that is soothing, benevolent, and hopeful.
There is, of course, much more to say, but you can always watch and listen.
Cover photo (GP)
Millpond, St Helen's Church, Welton, East Yorkshire
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