Lions Mane

(These are my original lyrics to a song composed to the tune of “Darks as a Dungeon” by Merle Haggard, but played as a rousing waltz with a distinctly different energy.)

T’was midwinter solstice and all through the land
People were gathered by family and clan
Venus and Jupiter danced with the moon
Owl and coyote sang out a tune

Whoo whoo! The long night of winter
Yip ya hey! the coyote sings
Whoo whoo! The planets are spinning
The sun is returning the season of spring

Starlight, fire bright and warm brings us cheer
hoping the sun will soon reappear 
the coming days light awaken the seeds 
and bring us the change this cold season needs

Whoo whoo! The long night of winter
Yip ya hey! the coyote sings
Whoo whoo! The planets are spinning
The sun is returning the season of spring

There were spirits and vittles we were passing around
Stew from the land and berries we found
Raising our faces, we gave thanks together
Asking the cycles to go on forever

To the Earth, to the sun, to the water and air
May the rains come enough, and the gardens all bear 
May the forests grow tall and the rivers run clear
and blessings be showered on all of us here

High in the heavens, the stars cross’d the sky
Falling as light into each person’s eyes
So we crossed over the years longest night
and when the sun rose, we turned to the light

Singing whoo whoo! The long night of winter
Yip ya hey! the coyote sings
Whoo whoo! The planets are spinning
The sun is returning the season of spring

To the Earth, to the sun, to the water and air
May the rains come enough, the gardens all bear 
May the forests grow tall and the rivers run clear
and blessings be showered on all of us here ~