Street Roots • May 11-17, 2018
CHORUS, from page 8
some choir members had strong reactions due to the
subject matter. There were tears, some even walked
out.
“People took it very personally,” said Atkins. “One
man returned, saying I m OK with this because we are
doing it together/” she said.
Choir member Diane Stobaeus has been with the
choir since it s inception. She was living on the streets
three years ago, but has a home now.
“This choir is a sanctuary. Everyone speaks the
language of music, there is no judgment, only love. We
became a musical unity community.”
“It will be fantastic to be at the Schnitz,” said
baritone Chris Topher, who describes being in the
choir as uplifting. Topher was in a serious car accident
in 1990 and suffered significant brain damage and
memory loss. I can t tell you what song we’re singing,
News
Page 9
but once I’m standing there, my brain hears the tune
and I remember right when to come in,” he said.
Atkins reached out to area nonprofits for more
singers when the large scope of the Oregon Symphony
project became clear. Union Gospel Mission, Central
City Concern, Rahab’s Sisters, Sisters of The Road, the
Threshold Choir and Transition Projects have all
become involved. Board members, staff and advocates
will also be joining the choir on stage this weekend.
“All of us need to be together,” said Atkins. “Our
poverty crisis is unresolved. When you hear that last
note, the silence that follows is that unresolved crisis.
The next step is to listen to each other.”
Take-off
by Eileen Vizenor
Although my past life has taken its toll
on my present life, the past
will not define me.
My present life has taken full use
of my body and limbs.
Aches and pains have replaced
my agility and confidence.
“For enduring this and more we are pleased to inform
you
That tonight we can offer in a concrete church basement
A n emergency shelter bed
You will need to be gone by six-thirty a.m. ”
My future life will not take
my spirit nor my hopes.
My future life will not repeat
my past life. For I will soar!
Origami
by Jaison Kirk
P aper animals in th e park.
All different, yet made of the
s a m e s tu f f in t h e s a m e w ay.
Folded paper, folded people.
The creases of routines and habits.
Folded by each other,
in the mind of the beholder.
Crystal Atkins, Maybelle Com m unity Signers choir director, works with the choir as they rehearse “emergency shelter
intake fo rm .” The choir members come from diverse backgrounds, including extreme poverty and homelessness.
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