'Refugee' by Joanna Marsh, from the Epiphany Carol Service at St John's College, Cambridge

On Saturday, January 20, 2024, the Choir of St John's College premiered a new commission, 'Refugee,' composed by Joanna Marsh. The piece is based on a poem by Malcolm Guite. This recording was captured during the Epiphany Carol Service.

Refugee - Malcolm Guite

We think of him as safe beneath the steeple,
Or cosy in a crib beside the font,
But he is with a million displaced people
On the long road of weariness and want.
For even as we sing our final carol
His family is up and on that road,
Fleeing the wrath of someone else’s quarrel,
Glancing behind and shouldering their load.
Whilst Herod rages still from his dark tower
Christ clings to Mary, fingers tightly curled,
The lambs are slaughtered by the men of power,
And death squads spread their curse across the world.
But every Herod dies, and comes alone
To stand before the Lamb upon the throne.