SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

On the ledge of rock he faced the East
                        All night he sat and offered prayer                          
His fire now just glowing embers
Warded off the chill and air so rare

The Eastern sky began to brighten
A new day approaching fast
Cast off his blanket, he arose
Ignored the pain, his mind was focused

As he stood there in humble prayer
A weight upon his shoulders fell
A moment of relief, he felt within
Knowing and preparing for one more heavy

Focused there in heart and mind
He saw the path he now must face
One that he must walk alone
For tis ALL his People he must serve

No room or time must he allow
Distractions cannot cloud his mind
Regain he knew, first in his task
What he had lost and cast aside

Hoping that in given time
Respect would once again return to him
His words of teaching be heard once more
At one time for all His People he did share

We are still here for you, he then did hear
Ancestors and Spirits gently spoke
Let us look within your heart
Watch your steps, the path you walk

Curb your tongue, speak from your heart
Gentle and considerate, you must be
Offend not those around you there
Hear and speak with great respect

Do not be cowed though, understand
If false or untrue words you find
Stand up for what you know tis TRUE
In this way, their respect you'll gain

Silence then about was felt
Humble, contrite heart within
A Spiritual Journey before him lay
Creator would help and show the way

He knew and felt so strong within
Help from Creator in time of need
Ancestors, Spirits there to guide
Would help him prove himself again

Gathered up his belongings, there at hand
Turned and from the mountain, he did descend
Ready now with joyous heart
To serve All his People the best he could

Wak' Tame
© September 8, 2001
Used with permission


 

Photograph from the Library
of Congress Archives

JOHN ROSS
Chief of the Cherokees
1839-1866
 

John Ross was Principle Chief of the Cherokee during the forced movement to the west. I thought of him instantly when I read the above poem. His sacrifices, the loss of his wife, his home, watching his people suffer. The pain of having some of his own people turn against him.  His faith was so strong and he followed his heart. Each paragraph of the poem addresses how this remarkable man must have received his visions, his strength.
                                                  Sun Spirit
                                                   09/08/01

Two Worlds

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Midi "When Teardrops Fall" is
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and is copyright © 2000
  Bruce DeBoer