Consecrate these words to time,
maker and unmaker of all our loves,
callous mover and remover of all that moves
from chequered earth to lunar sky.
How can a vessel withstand impassioned seas?
How can a fallen leaf defy the breeze?
Sanctify salt water's pain:
bathe your wounds with it until they heal.
The many voices of the wind reveal
immortal traces that remain.
Where does the breath go when the song subsides?
Where does the light shine when shadow overrides?
Sacrifice this dust-bound skin.
Fathom the darkness with a ladder of silver chains.
Release a raven from your breast as full moon wanes -
as one watch ends, so one begins.
Leave your fear and sorrows: set them on a pyre.
All breaths will join the universal choir.
