Do you ever feel like the birds are singing the sky into place? Today’s poem by Joy Harjo is for Amanda and Chase, who got engaged over the weekend; and for everyone else who has found their “for keeps” — whatever forms that might take.
Love,
Ellen
For Keeps
Sun makes the day new.
Tiny green plants emerge from the earth.
Birds are singing the sky into place.
There is nowhere else I want to be but here.
I lean into the rhythm of your heart to see where it will take us.
We gallop into a warm, southern wind.
I link my legs to yours and we ride together,
Toward the ancient encampment of our relatives.
Where have you been? they ask.
And what has taken you so long?
That night after eating, singing, and dancing
We lay together under the stars.
We know ourselves to be part of the mystery.
It is unspeakable.
It is everlasting.
It is for keeps.
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Sun makes the day new.
Tiny green plants emerge from the earth.
Birds are singing the sky into place.
There is nowhere else I want to be but here.
I lean into the rhythm of your heart to see where it will take us.
We gallop into a warm, southern wind.
I link my legs to yours and we ride together,
Toward the ancient encampment of our relatives.
Where have you been? they ask.
And what has taken you so long?
That night after eating, singing, and dancing
We lay together under the stars.
We know ourselves to be part of the mystery.
It is unspeakable.
It is everlasting.
It is for keeps.
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