Dante's Prayer

So I was looking at the obits section in the local paper and saw that a recent graduate from the university I work at passed away. I was shocked.
She was a very kind and sweet girl and I had gotten to know her a little bit b/c she was in the library often getting articles for her class, doing research, or studying. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. She will be greatly missed.
Two weeks earlier to the day, the dean of the university I work at lost her son-in-law to leukemia. He was a young, healthy football coach for one of the local high schools when he was diagnosed with leukemia. He fought a long, courageous battle and passed away on the 10th surrounded by his family and friends.

So why this sad news and death talk on a blog about music? Well...
While I was driving to work and listening to my ipod this morning, Dante's Prayer came on by Loreena McKennitt. Although the song was inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, the lyrics always sounded to me as though it was either a song sung to (or sung by) someone who had left or passed away.
And so, I would like to leave you with Dante's Prayer by Loreena McKennitt, in memory of Cary, John and all other loved ones who have gone on before us. My thoughts, prayers, and warm wishes go out to you all.



Dante's Prayer
Words and music by Loreena McKennitt

When the dark wood fell before me
And all the paths were overgrown
When the priests of pride say there is no other way
I tilled the sorrows of stone

I did not believe because I could not see
Though you came to me in the night
When the dawn seemed forever lost
You showed me your love in the light of the stars

Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me

Then the mountain rose before me
By the deep well of desire
From the fountain of forgiveness
Beyond the ice and fire

Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me

Though we share this humble path, alone
How fragile is the heart
Oh give these clay feet wings to fly
To touch the face of the stars

Breathe life into this feeble heart
Lift this mortal veil of fear
Take these crumbled hopes, etched with tears
We'll rise above these earthly cares

Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me
Please remember me