I was going to write an essay on landscape impermanence to expand on this storify of my tweets about landscape, competence, immigration, privilege. For a reason I cannot share, the essay is not happening right now. It might happen later.

Instead, I offer this video by Melnica and a translation, for those who need it, today and on any other day. I’ve been planning to do so for a while now, and the time is appropriate.

 

Keep yourself safe

 

Never wander off the direct path,

never take the ring off your hand,

don’t step beyond the threshold over cold water,

keep yourself, keep yourself safe.

 

The heart, like a mountain hawk, throws itself into the height –

don’t reprimand yourself, run after it –

hurry and choose between the  wolf and the hound,

keep yourself, keep yourself safe.

 

And if you ask for warmth from the oak and the rowan,

your steps will not bend the grass,

so protect yourself from any evil,

keep yourself, keep yourself safe.