From the recording Letitia of the Crimson Braids
There are some souls who quietly change the course of our lives, not through fame or recognition, but through the way they allow divine love to flow into the world. "Letitia of the Crimson Braids" is my tribute to one of those souls.
I feel profoundly blessed every minute of my life. Every day reminds me that we are woven into one magnificent creation, from the deepest oceans to the farthest stars, from the movements within atoms to the turning of galaxies. Sometimes it takes only a single moment of Light to awaken us to that truth. And often that Light comes to us through another human being.
For me, that person was my dear friend, Letitia.
Her name means joy, gladness, happiness, delight, and cheerfulness, and she embodied every one of those qualities. If I could add one more, it would be cleverness, for she possessed a wonderful wisdom, a joyful spirit, and an unwavering devotion to Mother Mary. She was both a healer and a mystic whose greatest gift was allowing the Light to pass through her so completely that those who came seeking hope found themselves wrapped in compassion, peace, and love.
When I returned home from Iraq, I carried wounds that no one could see. The cries of innocent lives still echoed within me, and my heart struggled to find its way home. Letitia became one of the gentle lights that helped restore what had been broken. Through her warmth, her faith, and the quiet radiance that flowed through her hands, she reminded me that I had never truly been alone. She helped rekindle within me the loving gaze of Mother Mary and the living Light that had never stopped calling me home.
The image of her crimson braids became, for me, a symbol of joy remembered, friendship woven through time, and the enduring bond between souls who journey together in the Light. Even now, when I remember her smile, hear her laughter, or imagine taking her hand once again, it feels as though heaven opens for just a moment and reminds me that love is never lost.
"Letitia of the Crimson Braids" is a neo-folk symphonic rock ballad celebrating that sacred friendship. It is a song of remembrance, healing, gratitude, and hope. Above all, it is a song about the mysterious ways divine love reaches us through ordinary people who quietly become extraordinary vessels of grace.
Thank you, Letitia, my beloved sister. Your song still rises within my heart. Your light still shines along the path. And together, as children of the Holy Wonder, we still fly.
Lyrics
Letitia of the Crimson Braids
(Neo-Folk • Symphonic Rock • Spiritual Ballad)
(Fingerpicked acoustic guitar opens alone. Soft piano enters. Cello and low strings slowly rise. By the chorus, full symphonic rock ensemble with soaring electric guitar, orchestral percussion, choir, and Irish whistle.)
[Verse 1]
Every breath's another blessing,
Every dawn another sky.
I was born beneath the Vastness,
Child of Love that cannot die.
From the oceans to the heavens,
From the atoms to the stars,
Every heartbeat sings the story
Of the One who made us ours.
[Pre-Chorus]
Only one bright spark of wonder,
Only one awakened flame,
And the world becomes a doorway,
Nothing ever looks the same.
[Chorus]
I was never lost.
Love was always there.
Holding every broken moment,
Breathing through the air.
Take my hand,
Lift my eyes,
Through the endless blue.
We were born of Holy Wonder...
Together we fly.
Together we fly.
[Verse 2]
Living Light within creation,
Turning galaxies above,
Moving through the smallest silence,
Binding everything with love.
When my weary soul was broken,
When I thought I stood alone,
Grace arrived through unseen kindness,
Making every heart my home.
[Instrumental]
(Acoustic guitar, fiddle, and cello intertwine. Choir slowly rises beneath sustained strings.)
[Verse 3]
Then came joy with gentle laughter,
Flowing through Letitia's eyes.
Joy and gladness were her language,
Hope beneath the darkest skies.
Faithful daughter of the Mother,
Wise beyond the tears she'd known,
She became a living lantern,
Shining where my path had grown.
[Pre-Chorus II]
Even wounds became compassion,
Even sorrow learned to sing.
Love can lift the deepest valley,
Love can teach the soul to spring.
[Chorus][
I was never lost.
Love was always there.
Holding every broken moment,
Breathing through the air.
Take my hand,
Lift my eyes,
Through the endless blue.
We were born of Holy Wonder...
Together we fly.
Together we fly.
[Bridge]
Thank you, sister...
Your voice still fills the morning.
Your smile still lights the road.
Mary's gentle hand still finds me,
Lifting every weary load.
Hold your crimson braids once more,
And every heaven opens wide.
Songs too deep for words awaken,
As we journey side by side.
[Final Chorus]
I was never lost.
Love was always there.
Every star and every heartbeat
Carries Heaven's prayer.
Take my hand,
Lift your eyes,
There's no last goodbye.
Children of the Holy Wonder...
Together we fly.
Together we fly.
Together we fly.
[Outro]
(Choir, strings, and soaring electric guitar carry the melody upward.)
From the deepest sea...
To the farthest star...
Love has always known
Exactly where we are.
Together...
we fly.