Eliza Gilkyson
Conservation
Ancient kings on ancient thrones
From Ninevah to Babylon
Built pyramids to hoard their bones in
Far from the ground they walked upon

And man for his immortal sake
Conceals his bones in steel and wood
He leaves a desert in his wake
That ne'er can serve a greater good

I have no god, no king or savior
No world beyond the setting sun
I’ll give my thanks for one more day here
And go to ground when my time has come

I beg you make my burial ground
A feast for eyes and ears instead
With trees and birds and flowers abounding
Where those who mourn may be comforted

I have no god, no king or savior
No world beyond the setting sun
I'll give my thanks for one more day here
And go to ground when my time has come

What if the day be dark or fair?
Just dig a hole and drop me in
My mother earth will never care for
All that I've done and everywhere I’ve been
To feed a wild and growing thing
Is all I'll ever ask of fame
And maybe on a day in springtime
A little bird will sing my name

I have no god, no king or savior
No world beyond the setting sun
I'll give my thanks for one more day here
And go to ground when my time has come