Nature's Crown Words and music by Zion Valencic © 4/18/2024Dm A Mother of north, of mount, of bear; Dm A Flaming spirit of south, of fire and care; Dm C Bb A May the air in the east, with guile please guide; Dm A Dm Brother spirit of water, bring empathy’s tide. Dm A I tell the story of a bard, Dm A Humble beginnings, then his name was starred. Dm C Bb A It starts with the birth of twins foul and fair; Dm A Dm And a witch-mother who cared for her male heir. Bb Let spirits of land bless voice, mind, and hand Dm A Let me come to understand. Bb I’ll swallow their gift, I’ll drink it down— Dm A Dm Awen’s breath is nature’s crown. Dm A Let boil, let bubble, stir trouble, Dm A Cerridwen’s cauldron will make one subtle. Dm C Bb A Stir, stir small Gwion, a year spent as pawn Dm A Dm Will bless you with knowledge, when you’re splashed at dawn. Dm A Run with the blessing, swift as a hare; Dm A Then flee as a salmon in river’s lair; Dm C Bb A When she pursues you fly, fast through the air— Dm A Dm When you hide among seeds, hungry hens beware. Bb Let spirits of land bless voice, mind, and hand Dm A Let me come to understand. Bb I’ll swallow their gift, I’ll drink it down— Dm A Dm Awen’s breath is nature’s crown. Dm A Nine months in Cerridwen’s belly, Dm A Then born and cast, wrapped, to swirling eddy. Dm C Bb A One who has lived with friends feathered and furred Dm A Dm Will sing with wisdom and insight well procured. Dm A (It’s) no surprise, bard who was rabbit, Dm A Sings “I love the woods,” nature his habit. Dm C Bb A Artificer-musician, like the wren, Dm A Dm Who has lived every life—even been a hen. Bb Let spirits of land bless voice, mind, and hand Dm A Let me come to understand. Bb I’ll swallow their gift, I’ll drink it down— Dm A Dm Awen’s breath is nature’s crown.