The Elder

I am an Elder,

I must now pass the flame,

Our heritage that makes us who we are,

Our heritage that remains the same.

As the Elder I must instruct

You young ones to the Way.

As an elder I walked the walk

And found that for mistakes we have to pay.

It is my job

To instruct and teach.

I have to show you the path

So that others you may reach.

I must do this before I leave,

Before I hear the call to fly away free.

But when I do go,

Be comforted and cheered.

I want you to know that death is not to be feared.

For inside I cannot die,

My spirit is young and in full bloom.

You see, eternity never ends,

So we’ll be together soon.

Though I’m not going yet

I must instruct you well,

So that when you become the elders

My wisdom you can tell.

Life is a long hard road,

And yet I don’t have a single regret.

I’m telling you these things because I love you.

I hope I taught you well, and my lessons you won’t forget.

For I am the Elder,

And I’m passing the flame

So that generations after us

Will see our heritage will always remain the same.