Welcome Child–A Poem of Belonging
Welcome Child
To this place of Earth
To the soils that root the trees +plants
That hold the water
That sustains this life
You will come to know this earth in many ways
Each experience will be your own
And is important for your growing
Before your body feels
The harsh and the challenging
Ways of the world
I wish to give you these five protectors
And guides
They are the Five Great Elements
And they will witness + support your life
I give you soil
I place your feet on the ground
For you too are rooted here
Now
Part of this family of humans
Who walk and run
And play on this Earth
This Earth is home
And you belong here
I give you Water
This cool and flowing elixir
I pour it over your body, I wash your skin
I place it in your hands
And on your lips
Water cleanses, it purifies
We gather water to bathe and cook
Water reminds us that we too are flowing
We can change, and are changing
Be nourished by the waters of earth, child
For you belong here
I give you Fire
Heat
The dance of flame
That kept our ancestors warm
And fed
Fire is light, it is consciousness
You will grow in awareness
You will see beauty and horror
You will come to recognize the light
Within us all
Do not forget your light
It is the creative spark
That brought you here
Where you belong
I give you Air
This breath
That connects
Us to the plant beings
And to the stars
Air is recycled here
It circulates this planet
Our breath knows no
Boundaries or state lines
Or territories
It moves with the wind
And keeps all life
Interconnected
Reminding us all
That we belong here
I give you Space
This universe is vast, my love
And
You have great space within
It will allow you to experience all of this life
You will feel pain, you will hurt, you will feel sad
And fearful and full of doubt
and you will love, and laugh, and experience great happiness + play
Know child
That this Great Space
Holds it all
The space of the cosmos
Is a loving embrace
You are held by space, child
It is my love for you
For you will always belong
You have come here for a reason
Your life has purpose and meaning
You also have much to learn
And gifts that only you can share
These elements are your protectors
They are part of you
Call on them
When you are feeling lost
Or afraid
Feel them within you
Let them cradle you
And bring you back home
You do not have to do this alone, my love
Your ancestors are watching out for you
Let us help you
Your life is precious
You belong here, child
You belong
