Grief and Praise

Oh you sisters encircled, you children of mine
You humble my heart and sharpen my mind
Though we're scattered and wearied and change is upon us
We are bound 'til the end, still a family I promise

Though all that you love will be taken some day
By the angel of death or the servants of change
In a floodwater tide without rancor or rage
Sing loud while you're able in grief and in praise

For so many years we swam into the tide
And we would not abandon, heroic and kind
Shared our sweat and our shelter, our bodies and blood
Godspeed and good fortune, I will miss you my love

For all you hold dear will be taken some day
By the angel of death or the servants of change
In a floodwater tide without rancor or rage
So sing loud while you're able in grief and in praise

Now we meet at well of sorrow
Dug down to the heart of the earth
Where it's joined at its source to the spring of hope
Drink deep while you can and give thanks for your thirst

For all that you love will be taken some day
By the angel of death or the servants of change
In a floodwater tide without rancor or rage
So sing loud while you're able in grief and in praise
Sing loud while you're able
In grief and in praise