Homage to Our Ancestors
The oldest form of prayer known:
Beating the drum and chanting.
It’s our heartbeat and breath.
In our mama’s womb we were soothed
by her heartbeat and breath.
This was our original song and dance
before we entered the world.
Our ancestors danced
Birth, death, rain, and harvest.
Through dance our ancestors
seduced the gods and goddesses,
bargained with the deities,
and praised the heavens.
Our ancestors remembered
our dance on the planet.
We danced with all kingdoms:
Insect, plant, animal, fish and winged.
If you pulled ancestors-Take notice that all around you
are your relatives:
the 4 directions, the 4 elements, the four tribes.
We share space on this big earth ball.
We all make it turn.
Round and round we go
release, recycle, return, revolve.
Your body is earth.
Your tears and sweat are water.
Your breath is air.
Your heartbeat is fire.
Share this:If you feel scattered,
overwhelmed or off center-
Stand where you can,
spread out your arms,
and spin.
As you spin-send out your gratitude
for all your ancestors who hold you-
beast, fowl, fish, and human.
Feel above you with your hands.
Feel below you stomping your feet.
Feel around you with your hips.
Bring your arms into your chest
and beat softly on your chest like a drum.
Push your arms out making sound.
Hum, howl, moan, groan, sing.
It doesn’t matter where you begin,
You will reach the center.
ALL ROADS LEAD YOU HOME.
