|
When I leave this body to erosion of the earth
Think not of it as corpse, but rather afterbirth
A bread and butter gift to Earth Mother
For beauties, comforts she's bestowed
During my travels here
For cradling me in bosom of her
Forgiving mountains
For anointing my feet in lifeblood of her seas
For wreathing herself in a holiness of stars
To wonder at, wish upon, and stretch toward
For baptizing my eyes with benevolences
Of violets in spring, epiphanies of scarlet
And golden leaves in autumn
For sharing with me overflowing baskets
Of her bounties in summer
For flinging wide the doors of her lodge
To warm me at hearthside in winter
For, during all seasons, chanting me
Through this life
With her wind, rain, sea, and stream songs
With crickets chirping from her pockets
Birds caroling from her hair
For her arms of persevering pine and spreading
Oak teaching me of steadfastness
For her willow fingers showing me of gentleness
And bending
For the pranks of her tricksters that elasticize
My mind, energize my imagination,
Educate my heart
For lavishing my nostrils with fragrances
Of fresh baking bread, cinnamon and clove,
Jasmine and tuberoses, lilacs, fresh-cut grass
Rain, salt air, smells of love, and a baby's skin
For giving me the healing balm of my husband
His lips and hands, eyes and heart
|
For lending me the joyous blessings
Of my children, grandchildren, all children
For the sustaining solace of friends, family
And every embrace of arms, faith and trust
That has ever empowered me
For sheltering me even when I huddle
With the shadow and squander the light
For catching me in the lap of her comforting
Meadows when I fall
For holding out the inspiration of her
Paradoxical beauties as I rise again
For rewarding me with the overflowing chalice
Of work which slakes the thirst of heart and spirit
For her redemptive benedictions through the years
As she plaits my failures, regrets, and sorrows
Into a coronet of forgiveness, grace, and love
For creating within my heart a rainbow bridge
To transport me beyond the stars
So when I leave this body to erosion of the earth
Think not of it as corpse, but rather afterbirth.
A last glad Give-Away to Earth Mother,
Sky Father
To my sisters and brothers of all kingdoms.
|
