for a birth

welcome

to the rose's lodge

little one,

it is now your own.

raccoon,

redwood and manzanita,

welcome this new one

among us.

parched hills,

welcome this new one.

ground squirrel,

welcome this new one.

may he find

good life among you,

may the paths he travels

always lead him

in a sacred manner.

Dennis Fritzinger

August 1999