We are thirsty for the waters of rite 
and hungry for the food of knowledge; 
quench us with ceremonial life 
and fill us with ritual passage . . .

Teach us the ways of the ancestors: 
to sow perennial seeds of custom, 
respect the ancient paths of honor, 
and harvest the fruits of tradition . . . 
 

We are born of many colors; 
we learn in different tongues; 
we walk through separate cultures; 
we die and blend as one . . . 
 

Tell us the wise old elders' stories: 
Make the talk of tribal legend, 
speak the language of native countries, 
and paraphrase indigenous message . . . 
 

Show us the power of sacred music: 
play out the patterns and rhythms, 
sing incantations lyrically cyclic, 
and dance to the drumbeat of seasons . . . 
 

We are starving for conscious heritage 
and craving integral belief; 
nourish us with the roots of lineage 
and heal us with elemental relief . . . 
 

Give us the legacies of Great Spirit: 
to dream the symbols, signs and shields, 
quest for totems of animal magic 
and spin visions from the medicine wheel . . . 
 

We are born of many colors; 
we learn in different tongues; 
we walk through separate cultures; 
we die and blend as one . . . 
 

Trace Ashleigh of Santa Cruz is a percussionist
for one of Mendocino County's favorite bands, Pele Juju.