Tribute To the Wolf
Tribute to the Wolf
I am of your nation (Cherokee)
I have travelled far to find my family
(They are scattered across America)
Boundaries are now gone
I know you as you know me
My Mother taught me so
I know you, ” a ni wa ya”
(Of The Wolf Clan)
You speak in our tongue
But the words are of another
I am of the, “a ni sa ho ni” people
(Of The Bear Clan)
Yet I listen to you young one
Your clan has been spread
Many left by the wayside
(1000 died in the great walk)
Yet you are still many
(The trail of tears)
The largest arm of our Nation
You are our protectors
The First New Moon of Spring,
(Festival of Spring held in March)
Has past and the seven did well.
( Seven Clans)
I will keep food for you till
(There is always a welcome to others )
Green Corn dances the days away,
( Mid Summer festival)
Of the Stomp, Feather and Buffalo.
(Tribal Dances)
Not eating, playing games.
Then to be cleansed by the water
Holding our Sacred Prayers
Of seven and four we hold dear
(Seven Clans, Four compass points)
Our seven that scattered to the four
(The scattering of the Cherokee)
While three levels we retain.
( The three levels of existence)
The Owl looks on as the Cougar screams.
(The sacred creatures of the tribes)
Our balance is retained therein.
Secretive yet open in their ways
We will dance in a great circle
(The great circle was paramount in their beliefs)
Then let the Long man take our dreams.
(Running waters, Rivers & Streams)
The little people will come if called
(Belief in little people that are in their image)
They are our Brothers though so small
Hair that sweeps the very chaff
( The little ones have very long Hair)
Remember they live in all things.
(They live everywhere and in everything)
Guides to lost children they are.
( They look after lost children)
As children they play with us.
Bringing happiness to a sad child,
(The little ones have healing powers)
Creating purpose to the befuddled.
Treat them with respect
(The little ones must be treated properly)
Bother them not with silly ways,
Or silly ways will stick in your mind
Should you see them be blessed!
Let not a loose tongue talk of them
(If you see one don’t talk of it for Seven years)
As the westerner and his broken mirror
Take seven years to talk of them
Never speak to them after sunset.
Beware of false cures in this life
( Medicine men beware of them)
The Raven Mocker, may be in disguise
( Raven Mocker was bad Medicine man)
Seek only the pure to be cured of ills
Seek not a cure from one that ails
(Choose a medicine man that is healthy)
They are a false being in our eyes
Mix today with yesterday to be safe
(Use Modern and old medicines together)
Only smoke with the fit one
Then drink the waters they give to you
May your ways with the Wolf be many
(Just a farewell to the Wolf Man I was talking to)
I shall read of you in the dens of the Great Bear.
Copyright © Ian Howard | Year Posted 2012
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