The Wind Remembers

First I remember the dead

Nektet, I offer him cool water

Wesir Djet Khyet Khepuru

I speak his Name

And remind him that he is remembered

Second I give my offerings to the others

Nameste, welcome in my garden

Some attended, some bereft

Their names engraved in stone

Thirdly I remember my ancestors

Usu, those who have taught before

Katas, names, a mounted sword

Remind me who shared their wisdom

I remember you and thank you

Namaste

The wind changes with every scent

But it is always the wind

Fourthly I give offerings to the Wheel

Dried leaves fall from my hands deusil

North, East, South, West

I sing silence unto those who will listen

Aho, see me working

I feed the Wheel

Namaste

My hands smelling of sage

I remember

Aho, Crazy Horse

You bushy-headed lunatic

Fearless, inspiring

Immortal only in battle

Aho, Eagle

Last-called by the Creator

Warrior, messenger

I bet those pinfeathers itch

Aho, Sitting Bull

Hard-headed old goat

Been nice to have met you

When you still wore your robe

Aho, Grandfather Coyote

You twin to the wise, you

It’s hard to hear your teachings sometimes

Over your laughter

I remember you and thank you

Namaste

The wind changes with every scent

But it is always the wind

Usu, my ancestors

I learn and grow

Aho, oh you spirits

See me working

Namaste, you old ones

I feed the Wheel

Namaste, Grandmother Spider

I have learned from your teachings

And still do not know you

Namaste, White Owl

I have learned from your teachings

And still do not know you

I shall never know you

My blood is not red enough

I shall never know you

But my blood is my own just the same

And I am brother to the wind

Stone temples with shaven monks

Sweet Grass and Bear Butte

Deserts, rivers, a golden palace

And a thousand thousand songs

Usu, my ancestors

I learn and grow

Aho, oh you spirits

See me working

Namaste, you old ones

I feed the Wheel

And I am brother to the wind