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Views from the Choir Loft

“Woman of No Distinction” World Premiere

Richard J. Clark · February 22, 2019

HRIS KINSELY wrote a landmark poem in 2006 about the Samaritan woman at the well and her encounter with Jesus. What makes this poem unique is its perspective: written entirely from the point of view of the Samaritan woman. This poem has much to teach us today. (See the poem below.)

Jennifer Lester, Director of The Seraphim Singers, asked me to compose a work When I saw the text, I thought “This is the poem.” It was an honor and privilege to composer on this work and this topic. (Liturgically notable is the role the Samaritan Woman plays in Lent, and in particular the First Scrutiny for Catechumens seeking full reception into the Church.)

In Orthodox and Eastern Catholic traditions, the Samaritan woman at the well is revered as a saint and considered “equal to the apostles.” Witnessing to the truth of Christ, she was martyred during the persecutions of the Emperor Nero.

I ASKED SOPRANO Anna Ward to be the “voice” of the Samaritan Woman. She adds her superlative artistry and perspective to this work!

* *  YouTube • A conversation with Lester, Ward, and Clark about the work and what it has to say to us today.

IF YOU ARE IN THE BOSTON AREA be sure not to miss this premiere as part the Seraphim Singer’s “Women’s Perspectives.” This concert will present works exploring the voices of women as composers, subjects, storytellers, and poets.. There will be two performances:

Friday, Friday, March 1, 2019, 8:00pm
St. Cecilia Parish, 18 Belvidere St., Boston, MA

Sunday, March 3, 2019, 3:00pm
First Church (Congregational) 11 Garden St., Cambridge, MA

Tickets: $22 General Admission / $18 Students & Seniors online or $25/20 at the door
• Tickets are available at the door or purchase online here
• Download the concert poster here

Hope to see you there!

WOMAN OF NO DISTINCTION
By Chris Kinsley

I am a woman of no distinction
of little importance.
I am a woman of no reputation
Save that which is bad.

You whisper as I pass by and cast judgmental glances,
Though you don’t really take the time to look at me,
Or even get to know me.

For to be known is to be loved,
And to be loved is to be known.
Otherwise what’s the point in doing
either one of them in the first place?

I want to be known
I want someone to look at my face
And not just see two eyes,
a nose, a mouth and two ears;
But to see all that I am, and could be
all my hopes, loves and fears.

But that’s too much to hope for,
to wish for,
or pray for
So I don’t, not anymore.

Now I keep to myself
And by that I mean the pain
That keeps me in my own private jail
The pain that’s brought me
Here at midday to this well.

To ask for a drink is no big request
But to ask it of me?
A woman unclean
Ashamed, used and abused
An outcast, a failure
A disappointment, a sinner.

No drink passing from these hands
To your lips could ever be refreshing
Only condemning
As I’m sure you condemn me now
But you don’t.

You’re a man of no distinction;
Though of the utmost importance.
A man with little reputation, at least so far.

You whisper and tell me to my face
What all those glances have been about
And you take the time to really look at me.
But don’t need to get to know me.

For to be known is to be loved and
To be loved is to be known.

And you know me.
You actually know me;
All of me and everything about me.
Every thought inside and hair on top of my head;
Every hurt stored up, every hope, every dread.
My past and my future, all I am and could be.
You tell me everything,
You tell me about me!

And that which is spoken by another
Would bring hate and condemnation.
Coming from you brings love, grace,
Mercy, hope and salvation.

I’ve heard of one to come
Who could save a wretch like me
And here in my presence,
You say, “I am he.”

To be known is to be loved;
And to be loved is to be known.

And I just met you.
But I love you.
I don’t know you,
But I want to get to.

Let me run back to town
This is way too much for just me.
There are others
Brothers, sisters, lovers, haters.
The good and the bad, sinners and saints
Who should hear what you’ve told me;
Who should see what you’ve shown me;
Who should taste what you gave me;
Who should feel how you forgave me.

For to be known is to be loved;
And to be loved is to be known.
And they all need this, too.
We all do
Need it for our own.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

    Schola Director Posts ‘Live’ Recording
    As I explained in my article posted earlier today, Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland is actually a Catholic tune (in spite of what some have claimed). The volunteer choir I direct sang that beautiful ADVENT melody last Sunday, and I invite you to listen to the live recording. It will get better the more we sing it.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Message from the Vice-President!
    The Vice-President of the Church Music Association of America, Dr. Horst Buchholz (who also serves as Director of Sacred Music for the Archdiocese of Detroit) sent us an email yesterday regarding the harmonizations (PDF) I composed for the Gregorian Chant psalm tones. Dr. Buchholz says: “Those settings are absolutely exquisite, as I'm used to when it comes from you. Bravo! Well done! Now, as a sequel, if you could write something for accompanying psalms in English that would be awesome.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Requesting Our Advent Eucharistic Hymn
    A young lady named Agnes wrote to us: “Dear Mr. Ostrowski, do you have the PDF score for Ave Corpus Domini set to the ADVENT melody? Last year, we sang the hymn tune “Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland” quite a bit using your contrafactum technique. My choir appreciates the Latin hymns and practice videos, especially in the ADVENT and CHRISTMAS seasons. Your recent article on Gregorian Psalm Tones is a great help to my organist brother, and reminds us of attending VESPERS years ago when we lived in California. Thank you so much for all the effort put into providing these wonderful resources!”   Agnes, if you are listening! Yes, the PDF file you desire can be downloaded for free at the Brébeuf Portal via this URL link. Thanks for writing to us!
    —Jeff Ostrowski

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“The scholar who lives only for his subject is but the fragment of a man; he lives in a shadow-world, mistaking means for ends.”

— Msgr. Ronald Knox (1888-1957)

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