The Eagle

The Eagle,
Mightiest and most majestic of all the birds.
Revered by the American Indian as Most Blessed of all the Animals by The Creator.
According to Indian legend of all the birds The Creator chose the Eagle to be the leader,
Master of the sky.
He flies higher and sees better than any other bird.
As he roams the sky the Eagle is believed to have a special connection with God.
He is considered to be a messenger to God and was given the honor of carrying the prayers of Man between the World of Earth and the World of Spirit where The Creator resides.
The wings of the Eagle represent the balance needed between male and female, each dependant upon the strengths and abilities of the other.
To wear or hold an Eagle feather causes The Creator to take immediate notice.
With the Eagle feather The Creator is honored in the highest way.
When one receives an Eagle feather that person is being acknowledged with gratitude, love and ultimate respect.
Only real true Men and Women carry an Eagle feather.
Eagle feathers are never to be abused, dropped or contaminated in any way.
If for any reason it is dropped it must be cleansed in a proper cleansing ceremony.
The keeper of an Eagle feather makes a little home where the feather will be kept safely and protected.
It should be hung up within one's home not placed in a drawer or cupboard.
Eagle feathers were awarded to Braves, Warriors and Chiefs for acts of valor and bravery.
These feathers were difficult to come by and had to be earned one at a time.
No matter how he came by possessing an Eagle feather, no one was allowed to wear one until it was proved he had won it in an act of bravery according to Tribal Law.
An Indian would rather part with his horse or his tepee rather than lose one of his feathers. To do so would be dishonor in the eyes of his tribe.
Under U.S. and Canadian Law a permit is required from official government conservation authorities for anyone to possess an Eagle feather.

                                                                                      Judy Ball

For Pure Thoughts On Nature Contest by John Freeman
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Benson Avatar
August 14, 2011 at 6:00 PM
A nice one Judy. Very enlightening!
Ball Avatar
August 14, 2011 at 8:05 PM
Thanks so much my friend. Glad you liked it. God Bless, JB
Kendrick Avatar
August 4, 2011 at 7:31 PM
Congrats on your win..Sara
Ball Avatar
August 14, 2011 at 8:14 PM
Thanks so much Sara. Glad you liked it. God Bless, JB
Lucas Mcclure Avatar
August 4, 2011 at 6:13 PM
Awesome write!!! Congratulations on your win!!!!!!!!----Lori
Ball Avatar
August 4, 2011 at 7:12 PM
Thank you so much Lori. Glad you liked it. God Bless, JB
Freeman Avatar
August 4, 2011 at 1:16 PM
Judy, Loved it , right on que, congratulations on your worthy poem's presentation. Agape, Moses
Horne Avatar
August 4, 2011 at 11:53 AM
Wow, so many contest results again! Many congrats for all your wins : )
Ball Avatar
August 4, 2011 at 1:05 PM
Thanks so much Jack. Glad you liked it. God Bless, JB
Brown Avatar
August 4, 2011 at 9:47 AM
Congratulations on your placement in Moses' "Pure Thoughts On Nature" contest Judy. Love, Carol
Ball Avatar
August 4, 2011 at 9:56 AM
Thanks so much Carol. I knew it wasn't really poetry but it's what came to me. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words. God Bless, JB
Sweetheart Avatar
August 3, 2011 at 7:42 PM
Congrats Judy on a stellar second place win my friend with this stunning poetry .. a wow wonder write luv..
Ball Avatar
August 3, 2011 at 9:47 PM
Thanks so much Linda. Glad you liked it though it wasn't really poetry. God Bless, JB :)
Onclaud Avatar
August 3, 2011 at 6:50 PM
judy, cheery congrats on your splendid win! : ) huggs!
Johnson Avatar
August 2, 2011 at 1:29 AM
Great interest in the Indian lore, the Eagle flys, they are no more, great entertainment babe, may the great spirit be with you, Don
Ball Avatar
August 2, 2011 at 1:34 AM
Thank you so much Don and with you. Glad you like this. God Bless, JB
Babcock Avatar
July 30, 2011 at 4:30 PM
I love reading this and it tells about the eagle feather and what it means. Excellent write- full of knowledge on native culture. I did not know these facts so this was a learning process as well. Interesting facts about the feather. love phyl
Ball Avatar
July 30, 2011 at 6:20 PM
Thanks so much Phyllis. Glad you liked it. Did you know Eagles pick one mate and they stay together until one dies. They raise the young together. The eagle has a wing span of up to 8ft. and is capable of lifting a large rabbit off the ground. They fly at heights of up to 10,000 ft. In flight they rarely flap their wings instead they use air currents and soar. They are very territorial as long as the young are in the nest. Fastenating birds. God Bless, JB
Onclaud Avatar
July 30, 2011 at 12:45 PM
again you show just how versitile your pen is; excellence with this poetry, judy...winning streams! :) huggs, nette
Ball Avatar
July 30, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Thanks so much Nette. Glad you liked this. God Bless, JB
Sweetheart Avatar
July 30, 2011 at 2:19 AM
wow magnificence personified in this piece so strong and accurate..so vivid ..so vital ..in nature of this regal bird Judy..good luck in the contest my friend... glad I gave u a good laugh on my Streganonafemme.. from a child I heard many tales of her... creepy ..lady..oh..
Ball Avatar
July 30, 2011 at 4:44 AM
Thank you so much Linda-Marie. Glad you liked it. God Bless, JB RE: Streganonafemme Never heard of this weird lady. Still think she is a good Halloween thingy though. :)
Wesley Avatar
July 29, 2011 at 10:08 PM
A fascinating story Judy and I suppose it is all true. Didn't realize the importance to native people but it is also a symbol of the USA isn't it. You did a great job with this. Hugs, Elizabeth
Ball Avatar
July 30, 2011 at 4:50 AM
Yes indeed my friend. He is our National Bird. However, another little known fact of History is that Ben Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers, didn't want the Eagle as the National Emblem because he is an eater of carrion. The Eagle is also the mightiest bird of prey flying at hieghts up to 10,000 ft with a wing span of 8ft. No problem lifting a large rabbit off the ground. He is brave and majestic. Glad you liked it my friend. God Bless, JB
Mehta Avatar
July 29, 2011 at 9:42 PM
very educative and informative write, Judy
Ball Avatar
July 29, 2011 at 9:44 PM
Thanks so much my friend. Glad you like it.\God Bless, JB
Austin Avatar
July 29, 2011 at 4:21 PM
I understand that Custer was found after the battle with a goose feather. Fascinating, Judy. The Indians were so colorful, romantic. Luck in the contest. Love, daver
Horne Avatar
July 29, 2011 at 1:03 PM
Wow, I love this informative piece, Judy. A winner for sure!
Ball Avatar
July 29, 2011 at 1:27 PM
Thanks so much Jack but I'm afraid it's too long for the contest. They said to make it only 20 lines but even though I cut it down I can't cut it down enough and still convey how important this bird really is to the Native American. Glad you liked it. Thanks bunches. God Bless, JB
Kearley Avatar
July 29, 2011 at 1:01 PM
Well I just learned a couple of things...Thank You for this awesome write. I guess I will leave the feathers where they lay.
Ball Avatar
July 29, 2011 at 1:28 PM
Thanks so much Dan. Glad you liked it. The Eagle really is an awesom bird and still sacred to the Native American. No wonder he is our National Bird. It's only fitting. God Bless, JB
Campi Avatar
July 29, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Judy, what a beautiful work on such a majestic bird. Well done!! Take care and keep writing, Jancarl C,
Ball Avatar
July 29, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Thank you so much Jancarl for stopping by with such kind words. Much appreciated. Glad you liked this. There is so much to the belief of the meaning this magnificent bird has to the Native American. No wonder he is the National Bird. Another little known fact is that Ben Franklin didn't want the Eagle as our National Emblem because he said the Eagle is a vulture. :p Thanks again my friend. God Bless, JB
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace