With words drawn from an anonymous poem depicting Mary's woeful lullaby to her newborn son, this reflective piece draws the three solo voices from the chorus and situates them behind and well away from the main body of the choir, in another part of the church or performing space. The character of these parts is distant and remote, as if frozen in time, and sung without vibrato. Their increased distance from the congregation or audience enhances the timeless aspect of
this work, reflected in the words and music.