In memory of Alfonso Ortiz
who has returned to the lake
April 30, 1939 – January 27, 1997
Returning to the Lake
Over in the direction where the sun descends
Deep, deep within the sacred lake
From there the joyous singing
Of holy people comes forth!
Holy people are now emerging!
Holy people are now coming!
Holy people, with their corn- and wheat-
raising powers, have arrived here!
Holy people, with their clouds, rainwater, and
fog rainbow cast before them, have
arrived here!..
Deep, deep, within the sacred lake
>From there the joyous singing
Of holy people comes forth!
>From there the joyous calls
of holy people come forth!
Holy people are now emerging!
Holy people are now coming!
Holy people, with their singing and calling,
have arrived here!
Away over there holy people emerge!
Holy people are coming!
Holy people, with their children-people-
raising, with life-creating powers, have
arrived here!
Hapembe! Hapembe! Hapembe!
verses from Oku Shareh,
Turtle Dance Songs of San Juan Pueblo
translation copyright 1979
by Alfonso Ortiz
New World Records
