If I were to sit beside a tree and strike up a conversation, what would that be like? This, of course, is a philosophical question, and taking it a bit further, what would a conversation be like with more than one tree? Does a tree, or do trees, have a sense of humor? Do trees care we exist? How would a tree see the world when they almost always outlive a human being? 
	So the other day I saw a book in a store, and it was titled Conversations with a Tree by Jane Warren Campbell. I did not, however, buy that particular book, but it did get me to think about a piece of music. I tend to find myself returning to nature over and over again within my compositions. I cannot help it. I grew up surrounded by great trees either as a youth in Minnesota or later in my formative years maturing in Georgia under the canopy of Southern pines and the various deciduous trees that grow in the South. Even today, I live in a house under the canopy of two large pecan trees with oak trees and maples not far from view. When I escape to the woods, I find myself attracted to the mountains and find solace under the protection of the great trees of the North Georgia woods as well as North Carolina. These trees are my friends on a level that few understand. It was my daughter who taught me to talk to trees and allow them to hug me and communicate to me their long stories. 
	When I sat down to compose this work, I was immediately drawn to the key of b-flat minor with a mixture of majesty, folklore, humor, and solemnity. The trees are all of these within. Majesty is obvious, but you have to search for folklore and humor within them if they share those with you. It is the solemn side that often comes out of the oldest trees as they see their end nearing even if that end takes what seems to us a long time.

Conversations With Trees

Juliana Hatfield Sings ELO

Sweet Is The Night

From Indian Lakes-We Are Sick

Angelo, I’ve always wondered
what you’d say now
if you could only
come through

'Cause the devil don’t want 
what the devil won’t give you
all my hunger
all I need to 
tell you

Angelo, come to the river
Swim beside me
‘til the waters
Heal you

‘Cause the devil don’t know 
what the devil did to you
all my hunger
all I need to 
tell you

This is how we go on
Without all the things we wanted
This is how we go on 

Angelo, I should have saved you
kept your nights clean
held you with my
milk tooth

But the devil don’t want 
what the devil won’t give you
all my hunger
all I need to 
tell you

Angelo, this world is haunted 
drag your soul down
and leave you wanting 
some truth

‘Cause the devil don’t know 
what the devil did to you
all my hunger
all I need to 
tell you

This is how we go on
Without all the things we wanted
This is how we go on

Milk Tooth

I used to teach children of soldiers, and I had a few who lost their fathers in war. It was never easy to deal with these situations. This is dedicated to the children who have had to go through this while the rest of us live in peace because of their sacrifices.

My Father's Laughter

A few years ago, I read Jane Warren Campbell's wonderful book Conversations with a Tree. I still go back to it for the wisdom it contains, and I have written more than one piece about it.

Whispers Of The Ancient Tree

Enchanted Grove is an experience in music that parallels the experience of wandering through a forest of trees that touches your essence.

Enchanted Grove

Strange Times harkens a bit back to my youth in the 80s but also how I've been losing friends along the way as time passes on and they fade away especially as they pass on.

Strange Times

1. Soaring Through Shadows

I first heard this in the film Youth, where Mark Kozelek makes an appearance! It's a beautiful and special film, catch it if you have the chance :). 

Onward - Yes / Mark Kozelek - Cover

Regina Price - We Come Together [GREYS ANATOMY - 14X23 - SOUNDTRACK]

I have always loved music. I grew up surrounded by music and sounds. I play the French horn and studied that at UGA and the Cincinnati College/Conservatory of Music. I started composing when I was in my 20s but stopped as I raised my two children. After my father passed away, I came back to creating music mostly for symphonic bands, but I also composed a bit for choir and orchestra. I am an avid gardener and rosarian. I still teach music. I am now a published author through Amazon Kindle. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9VZ76ZS?binding=hardcover&searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt_thcv&qid=1719330636&sr=8-6

1. Soaring Through Shadows

Peter C. Miller

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