I know the hills of your birth,
my friend; I've swam the waters there.
My feet have walked her solid ground
and my tongue does taste Her air...
These trees I see not quite the same
as their mothers which you knew-
They as well can feel the burn,
of this sickness
named saldu ...
See, 'Savagery', the English claim-
Is all which others are.
Though all I see behind them
are wounds left, near and far...
People free and people kind-
left withered in decay;
For sake of all you made your mind,
Strong one hear me pray...
Our sun which warms me,
grown cold without your face...
Your people gone, unreconciled;
I hang mine in disgrace...
No dreams or hopes or even fears
can beat this demon greed;
though kindness is not fortitude,
would these words you need?
Stand here now upon her peaks-
look down with me today;
Sad, we see, their betterments reek
as life they toss away.
Brother Ishi, I know not your given name-
and am unworthy of thus by far;
I am humbled in my heart, for indeed
a man you are...
Determined, soul-sick and weak-
face all which is to be, held fast;
knowing after forty years,
Yahi people will just not last...
How was it for you to discover alone-
and to find how your path would wander?
Did you see it in your mothers eyes...
what alternatives did you ponder?
As you ceremoniously burnt your hair (gone)
and the last wild ashes drown-
You must have somehow known enough
that truth's a thorny crown...
Lift your eyes now, and see-
the blue in skies beyond...
Hear Brother Eagle call to you-
fishing at your pond!
Mother Earth has plenty, I see-
for each again as All;
Coyote even knows his place-
as Summer before Fall...
Daha, river, sister true-
carry us, please, to peace;
Waganupa calls my brother home,
give his soul release...
...
I wish to tell you of this land-
I've always called my home;
Grand and Strong and Wonderful
rich histories to comb...
Silver trophy winner
Adding your comment:
Very kind indeed... I feel the oppossite holds true as that I would be lost without these great peoples...
1 old applause
