Lessons

I was born at the ends of the earth
Where the wind sang us songs and we sang them back
We know how to keep our footing
It's our job to keep our footing
When the wind is your teacher, your father's its voice
You've got big shoes to fill
And we know how to keep our footing
But I've got two left feet

But I'm learning, I'm learning, I'm learning, I'm learning
To step a little lighter and talk a little quieter
Sometimes I mumble, sometimes I overstep
Sometimes I wish my mother hadn't left, but that's life, I guess

I have a family who moves like the wind does
They laugh when I laugh, and I laugh when they don't
They know how to catch my footing
And nudge me into place
But sometimes I feel there's a burning within me
Sometimes I want to scream
And they know how to catch my footing
But I can walk just fine

But I'm learning, I'm learning, I'm learning, I'm learning
That burning needs earth, wind, and water to balance
Sometimes I'm angry, sometimes I get sad
But when our directions go bad, I can be our compass

I have a partner who said that he loves me
It took me some time, but I said it back
We can watch each other's footing
I love to watch his footing
His wings and his wonder make him one with the elements
His words and his laugh fill my heart like the wind does
The wind lives forever
I thought we had more time

But I'm learning, I'm learning, I'm learning, I'm learning
That passing through fire can help things grow again
Sometimes it's hard, and sometimes I don't want to
But sometimes I hear the wind speak
I was born to pick up the mantle and speak for the storm
And my people and family and home

Now I'm back where the wind sings me songs
My family's all safe, but I'll see them gone
I know how to keep my footing
It's my job to keep my footing
And now I can speak at a pace that is fitting
Step with the confidence wisdom has given
I can keep my footing
And give it to the wind