Warm Echo in the Courtyard

[Intro — call and response] [Lead] Send one grateful note through the open air! [Choir] The courtyard answers! [All] Let every wall return it with care! [Verse 1] A broom on brick draws a half-moon line White shirts lift on a length of twine A bicycle wheel catches pieces of noon A spoon taps twice to the kettle’s tune A lamp clicks off in the window above Two hands lower a basket with care One clear voice says, “Thank You for today” Brick sends the syllables back our way [Pre-chorus] Sound climbs a wall and turns under an arch One small answer gives the next one a start Gratitude travels when voices make room From the gate in the shade to the sunlit room [Chorus] The courtyard answers, wall to wall One grateful voice and the echoes call The courtyard answers, open and strong Every window adding a piece to the song We send our praise through the common air It gathers courage as it travels there Name every kindness that carried us through The courtyard answers: we thank You [Verse 2] After the shower, the paving stones shine Chalk arrows curl past the laundry line The stair door opens, a parcel comes down Hands form a chain and pass it around No printed program, no place marked front Just daily life with its sleeves rolled up One voice in shadow, one voice in sun Different in timbre, together in thanks [Bridge — album callbacks] [Lead] For the morning before the bell [Choir] We answer with patience [Lead] For mercy between the floors [Choir] We answer with room [Lead] For work placed into our hands [Choir] We answer with care [Lead] For rain on the roof [Choir] We answer with praise [Lead] For the lamp near the door [Choir] We pass the welcome on [Final chorus] The courtyard answers, wall to wall One grateful voice and the echoes call The courtyard answers, open and strong Every window adding a piece to the song We send our praise through the common air Name every kindness that carried us through The courtyard answers, faithful and true: We thank You, we thank You [Outro] The last note crosses the stone. It comes back warm. And we answer together: Thank You.