A poem for the spirit

— posted by request —

For Calling the Spirit Back from Wandering the Earth in Its Human Feet

by Joy Harjo

Put down that bag of potato chips, that white bread, that
     bottle of pop.

Turn off that cellphone, computer, and remote control.

Open the door, then close it behind you.

Take a breath offered by friendly winds. They travel the earth
     gathering essences of plants to clean.

Give it back with gratitude.

If you sing it will give your spirit lift to fly to the stars’ ears
     and back.

Acknowledge this earth who has cared for you since you
     were a dream planting itself precisely within your
     parents’ desire.

Let your moccasin feet take you to the encampment of the
     guardians who have known you before time, who will be
     there after time. They sit before the fire that has been
     there without time.

Let the earth stabilize your postcolonial insecure jitters.

Be respectful of the small insects, birds and animal people
     who accompany you.
Ask their forgiveness for the harm we humans have brought
     down upon them.

Don’t worry.
The heart knows the way though there may be high-rises,
     interstates, checkpoints, armed soldiers, massacres, wars,
     and those who will despise you because they despise
     themselves.

The journey might take you a few hours, a day, a year, a few
     years, a hundred, a thousand or even more.

Watch your mind. Without training it might run away and
     leave your heart for the immense human feast set by the
     thieves of time.

Do not hold regrets.

When you find your way to the circle, to the fire kept burning
     by the keepers of your soul, you will be welcomed.

You must clean yourself with cedar, sage, or other healing
     plant.

Cut the ties you have to failure and shame.

Let go the pain you are holding in your mind, your shoulders,
     your heart, all the way to your feet. Let go the pain of your
     ancestors to make way for those who are heading in our
     direction.

Ask for forgiveness.

Call upon the help of those who love you. These helpers take
     many forms: animal, element, bird, angel, saint, stone,
     or ancestor.

Call your spirit back. It may be caught in corners and creases
     of shame, judgment, and human abuse.

You must call in a way that your spirit will want to return.

Speak to it as you would to a beloved child.

Welcome your spirit back from its wandering. It may return
     in pieces, in tatters. Gather them together. They will be
     happy to be found after being lost for so long.

Your spirit will need to sleep awhile after it is bathed and
     given clean clothes.

Now you can have a party. Invite everyone you know who
     loves and supports you. Keep room for those who have no
     place else to go.

Make a giveaway, and remember, keep the speeches short.

Then, you must do this: help the next person find their way
     through the dark.