Grief and Praise

Oh you sisters encircled, you children of mine
 You humble my heart and sharpen my mind
 Though we're scattered and wearied and change is upon us
 We are bound 'til the end, still a family I promise
 Though all that you love will be taken some day
 By the angel of death or the servants of change
 In a floodwater tide without rancor or rage
 Sing loud while you're able in grief and in praise
 For so many years we swam into the tide
 And we would not abandon, heroic and kind
 Shared our sweat and our shelter, our bodies and blood
 Godspeed and good fortune, I will miss you my love
 For all you hold dear will be taken some day
 By the angel of death or the servants of change
 In a floodwater tide without rancor or rage
 So sing loud while you're able in grief and in praise
 Now we meet at well of sorrow
 Dug down to the heart of the earth
 Where it's joined at its source to the spring of hope
 Drink deep while you can and give thanks for your thirst
 For all that you love will be taken some day
 By the angel of death or the servants of change
 In a floodwater tide without rancor or rage
 So sing loud while you're able in grief and in praise
 Sing loud while you're able
 In grief and in praise