1.
In the east the cup stands empty, not a drop is left within
and for the final time we've passed it round
The ocean waves move slowly as the spring tide slips away
the ships have left the harbor for the sound
Beneath the weeping willow tree the river lies so quiet
it seems as if that's always where it's been
But beneath the water's surface runs a current deep and strong
And we know that soon the tide will come back in
Refrain:
For our circle we must close and on our separate ways must go
for a while our time together here is done
But if we part with a tear of sorrow, we will meet with a tear of joy
if not on this day then on one soon to come.
2.
The lights upon the altars we extinguish, one by one
the blade we now retire to its sheath
The summer sun is stolen by an overcast above
casting shadow over all that lies beneath.
Our dancing now is over and our spells have all been cast
Sending healing to our friends and to our foes
But the power grounded here like a volcano dormant sleeps
And in the ashes, look - an ember glows.
Refrain:
For our circle we must close and on our separate ways must go
for a while our time together here is done
But if we part with a tear of sorrow, we will meet with a tear of joy
if not on this month then on one soon to come.
3.
Now in the west the gentle winds of autumn no more blow
the fallen leaves lie still upon the ground
In the setting sun the birds are flying to their winter home
Months will pass before we hear again their sound
The censer on the altar holds but ashes growing cold
the sweet dark smoke of incense has dispersed
But the air moves with our breath, and we will hear the birds again
when spring the spell of winter has reversed
Refrain:
For our circle we must close and on our separate ways must go
for a while our time together here is done
But if we part with a tear of sorrow, we will meet with a tear of joy
if not on this year then on one soon to come.
4.
In the north within the pentacle the crystal now lies dark
the salt is gone, all scattered to the night
The silent grip of winter strips the last leaves from the trees
and so it turns the hills to grey and white
In the abscence of a loved one who has passed beyond this life
we gather round to comfort and to mourn.
But though the trees are bare, their roots extend below the frost
and everything that dies will be reborn.
Refrain:
For our circle we must close and on our separate ways must go
for a while our time together here is done
But if we part with a tear of sorrow, we will meet with a tear of joy
if not in this life then in one soon to come.