We nick the vein
We tap the blood
We stem the flow

We take a name
We give it weight
To carry love

As long as can
As long as able
As long as luck
Remains in place
We keep the pace

We keep the peace

We catch a flame
We hold a breath
And in-between

We keep a measure
Turn by turn
And stolen beat

As long as can
As long as willed
As long as asked
Until relieved
The Treaty says

The treaty sleeps

With borrowed words
We lend our voices
To the verse

We guard the rhythm
Give it reason
Give it worth

As long as can
Until excused
We hang the song
Upon its tune
We tap the vein
We stem the flow

…The Treaty keeps

Will Wilkinson 06/24