If I Can Stop One Heart from Breaking

This piece was composed during the spring 2020 quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time of such widespread hurt, loss, and uncertainty, it was exceptionally moving to see the outpouring of love and support to those in need and those on the frontlines of fighting the pandemic. One evening, I stumbled across this short poem by Emily Dickinson. The melody immediately revealed itself to me and I began writing. In a little less than an hour, the piece was complete.

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.