Prayer to the Nation's Ancestors

On an incomprehensibly vast ocean
To an unknowably deep land;
Trusting to wood and rope and cloth,
and fickle winds,
you came from a need to live as you thought right.
Though I do not like all you did,
and though you would not like all I do,
still like calls to like.
The fire in my heart is yours.
Against obstacles, you prevailed,
afraid below decks while storms shook the boat, you carried on.
If I, like you, set my self only to the right,
without the storms destroying my resolve,
I will consider myself truly your descendant.
As like calls to like, as fire to fire,
be with me and give me courage as needed.