Memorial Vigil December 21, the First Evening of Winter East Steps of the City/Cty Bldg 5:30 p.m.

Where we stand we peer into the mouth of the gaping storm

swirling around and up like the vortex of a funnel cloud, we wait

standing below trembling, huddled together in prayer

calling for the Great Spirit

by my side a hand reaches to clasp my twisted shoulder

murmuring, "let us rise!"

We awaken from deep sleep to gaze into the furnace of the depth of longing and innocence that warms us and forgets that we have lost our step and poise.

Heartily the clad warrior revels in lifting us from the depth and makes a way for us, "Let us rise," she rejoins

We see the wisdom of this plaintive chorus. we know that we must stir or be swallowed in the torrent that washes away

Our feet are set on unsteady ground that shakes and loosens as we stumble forward

Voices murmuring on "Let us rise,

let us rise,

let us rise,

let us rise."

We hearken to the sound of this rhythm and press on holding one another up

realizing that all we ever had is here.

Thankfully, graciously, humbly we rise. We offer our shattered lives

We await an uncertain tomorrow peacefully resigned to remain in stillness

supplicating, resonating, carrying forth the blessing of those who came this way before.

We know that there is no end here and that we are safe, we are fixed in our awareness though we are held fast

we rise,

we rise,

we rise,

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we rise

knowing that nothing, no walls, no storm, within withstands the clasp of a hand on a twisted shoulder of we,

the people, who are home no matter where and what may cross this way.

We rise and greet the day, scattering dark clouds

sanctify our home and presence in this churning sea with hope that dispels the losses and lives that passed.

Our spirits soar above the din of thunder and crackling, we are joined with all the ancestors and those unborn

we see herein that what we are is fertile and benefits all

mindfulness and presence offers stillness inside

arraying the world with light brilliant glowing for all

We know that our hearts will burst with the gift overflowing and spilling across the landscape

LET US RISE,

LET US RISE

let us rise