The Change of Worlds

THE CHANGE OF WORLDS
Andrews Forest, Oregon
In Memory of Vi Hilbert, Lutshootseed Elder

No need to be afraid of Death D
Seattle said, there is no loss A
it’s no more than a change of worlds Em
like the fallen fir that returns to moss. G

And like that tree, we too have stood
lifting up between earth and sky
and as we rise, we know that we
must too descend, coming falling time.

Lah-doke, chah-doke chow D
Lah-doke, chah-doke chow A
Lah-doke, chah-doke chow G
Where are you going? G D

And then our trunks will feed the soil
ten thousand lives and more will thrive
as we transcend this shape we’ve held
to help this world remain alive

They say that Buddha long ago
while walking through the forest came
to a starving tiger and her young
lay down, gave his body to them

And yet, and yet I must admit
I am not ready for my breath
to leave the music of my heart
that’s echoed by my fragile steps.

Still, without fear, let me give thanks
for one more rising of the sun
and let me walk through one more day
as if my life had just begun.