Breath

Eyes closed and soul descends
Through my skin into the earth
My consciousness extends, extends
Into the world of ancestors

And if the sun does take me up
I move between the worlds I touch

Within my days I've seen the hills
Grow strong and tall, rise up renewed
From where I stand within the still
And silent trees, within the yew

I watch you move between the worlds
Between the roots you're softly curled

Another life and morning's breath
Upon my face a fresh sunrise
I whisper words, though you have left
Entrust them to your dwindling guide

Asleep you know nothing of pain
Until a child is born again

And turning in the falling leaves
The scent of burning branches weaves.