Keep me, as I have kept them.
Offer us the security
Of your Providence.
Can I still come see you in the night?
Can I be still, with you,
As they are at ease
With me?
You have given us your flesh,
And so do I return my own
To you, from whence it is come.
But in life, we should have this Covenant:
Protect my boys.
Let Nature be their guide.

Keep them, please,
As I have kept you.

Let them fall into no shadow
That is not your shade.
Let them take of no fruit
That is not of your bearing.

And in turn, I will raise them to know,
And to keep
The Verdant Soul.