The Funeral

When nightfall enfolds you and quickens your heart
For you walk alone on the highway
If a polecat springs hissing her eyes raging amber
Then you must stand still and not fear her
For if you befriend her your sister she’ll be
And she of all beasts knows the river
Its secret unwindings and reason for flowing
And a safe road beside the dark water…

When nightfall enfolds you and quickens your heart
For you walk alone on the highway
If a grey wolf springs snarling his teeth bared in anger
Then you must stay calm and not fear him
For if you befriend him your brother he’ll be
And he of all beasts knows the old way
That climbs to the one pass that cuts through the mountain
And a warm cave where you may take shelter…

So follow the highway that leads to the lake
And you will discover a sweet spring
That bubbles and runs down the hillsides of childhood
And there lay your heart down forever...