Swifter Than Flame was inspired by the poetry of John Carl Bostelman, which vividly describes an exhilarating journey into the unknown. The composition features layered vocal entrances that create a sense of ascent, as if the music is climbing toward new possibilities. Through text painting, especially with the phrase “upward into night,” I aimed to capture the awe and wonder of pushing beyond the limits of imagination. The racing rhythms of the piano accompaniment propel the music forward, launching the choir into an orbit of sound that evokes a thrilling sense of discovery. I hope singers feel the excitement of exploring the uncharted and realize their boundless potential if they dare to explore beyond the familiar.