Ancestor Prayer

6
Written by dianeperazzo
Build me up from bone 
and set me free 
to fly on the wings 
of my descendants. 

Let my regret not be 
an obligation nor an obstacle. 
Instead, let our memories 
be carried by the wind, 
warmed by the sun and 
nurtured in the body of 
the living earth. 

Listen to me as I share my wisdom. 
Capture and care for it if you can. 
Then watch as I spiral into starlight 
and release what might have been. 

Heya heya heya hey 
Welcome feather and fur. 
Welcome skin and bone. 
Welcome buds and branching roots. 
Welcome wind and water. 
Welcome stone and sky.

This poem was inspired by Ursula K. Le Guin’s incredible book “Always Coming Home” and written for an event on October 14, 2023 at Christ Church Cathedral Labyrinth in Ottawa called “Waking with Your Ancestors”. (Organized by Death Care Ottawa and the Cathedral Labyrinth Guild).

Image: Diane Perazzo

May these words bring truth
and healing through open hands and hearts.
And then, let it flow back into our Mother Earth
for the love of all her beings.

6 Comments

  1. Very nice piece. Sets a reflective mood. The images I see are of you sitting, looking, looking at Nature, seeing the Spirits in Nature, seeing the Spirits of your Ancestors being part of the Spirits of Nature, and, I imagine, expressing Gratitude for their existence, past and present.

    I sort of see myself doing that too. They have my back.

    Reply

    1. Thank you Michael! That is it exactly! I wrote this piece for a recent labyrinth event here in Ottawa called “Walking with your Ancestors.” Have a blessed day my friend! xo

      Reply

  2. I don’t just‘like’ this, I LOVE it! I want to put it to music and dance it around the Samhain fire!

    Reply

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