Only For a Short While

Oh, only for so short a while youhave loaned us to each other,because we take form in your act of drawing us,and we take life in your painting us,and we breathe in your singing us.

But only for so short a whilehave you loaned us to each other.Because even a drawing cut in obsidian fades,and the green feathers, the crown feathers,of the Quetzal bird lose their color,and even the sounds of the waterfalldie out in the dry season.

So, we too, because only for a short while

have you loaned us to each other.

- Aztec Indian Prayer