When our visit's over and
It's time for me to leave
If you must gather to remember
For me please do not grieve

Do not enlist some hypocrite
To judge, inspire or preach
For only the All-Knowing
Has wisdom enough to teach

No Self-Appointed Guru
Will preside over my grave
My life is done, I had some fun
And it's not about being saved

Burn sage and Nag Champa
Blow pipe smoke toward the sky
Muse about the things we did
And laugh until you cry

Keep to yourselves the things you
Wish you'd said when I was here
I'll hear your words but no longer
Need to hold their comfort dear

You were rest on my journey
A comfortable place to sleep
Those who were kind I'll keep in mind
Those who were not will weep

A traveler among you
Beside you I walked this earth
A foreigner, I couldn't seem to
Make you hear anything of worth

You'll know and hear and see at
Those times you miss me most
That which seems to elude us
Finds in the heart a host

You'll hear me on the wind
Catch glimpses in a candle flame
Feel me in your cards and runes
Your soul won't be the same

So let your babies fuss and
Your children run and play
For this is life and life goes on
For years and months and days

Celebrate my return home
With bellydance and zills
Send the joyful music you make
Ringing toward the hills

Give me drums to dance me home
Remember, I like them loud!
Shimmy those hips and watch me smile
Just lift your face toward the clouds

And when the world reminds you of
How you thought I wasted my energy
Begin your dance where I left off
If you'd really remember me


Parthena Black
Copyright ©2006

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