Beneath the Surface

Hail to Hella, alabaster goddess,
grave hostess to many who have walked
the long path to death, to reunion
with long-gone kith and kin, with folk unmet
until we pass from this existence.
The soothing touch of cool white hands, Hella;
the last sharp breath of one whose time has come;
the comfort of a loved one's spark of presence
in a long and cold and lonely night;
the longed-for meeting of beloved friends,
hands clasped and horns passed at your open hearth;
the reward of rest after hard-lived life;
all these are yours, sweet and solemn Hella.
Gracious Hella, as kind as necessity,
as welcoming as one's own front door,
as just and as true as nature itself,
we thank you for your many blessings.
your gift of release, your care of those
now gone from our lives. Hail to Hella!