Notes About The Poem

I based my poem on an old Cherokee legend . . .  hope it works.

Wind Rider

An old man sits peacefully in deep thought
Missing teeth, milky eyes . . .  leathery skin
Wind Rider his name  – a shaman 

The young man seethes in anger
Strong, excitable . . . limbs in constant motion 
Standing Bear his name  – dangerous and violent 

Smoke curls lightly into the sky
A sacred moment upon the plain
Old to the young – a story

The soft voice rises . . .  catches the wind 
There is a battle that rages within each of us
. . .  two wolfs circle each other

One is evil . . .  it’s spirit is angry filled with
jealousy, sorrow, greed, arrogance, guilt
resentment, inferiority, lies . . .  ego

The other wolf is good --- it’s spirit is filled with
joy, peace love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy
generosity, truth, compassion . . .  faith

Each wolf is strong and howls into the night wind 
Yellow-red eyes flair, deep throated-growls, bared fangs
Breathing hard they attack

Wind Rider lifts his heavy head
Feels the sun . . .     waits

Standing Bear thinking  . . .  finally asks
Who will win?

Wind Rider smiles 
The one you feed



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David Meade
11/28/2014
Live Generously
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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12
Burch Avatar
December 19, 2016 at 12:47 PM
David... I love your expansion of this proverb!!! Well done. Thanks for your kind visit! Big Hugggs. Deb
Pinet Avatar
May 15, 2015 at 11:13 AM
Your words come to us as from a wise sage with the voice of an elder and a heart of a child. You open your heart and ask us in so that your thoughts may warm and inspire us. Emile. #7
Lamoureux Avatar
January 17, 2015 at 3:18 PM
I enjoyed reading this one again David.
Nance Avatar
January 8, 2015 at 10:19 PM
i LOVE it! You are so freakin' awesome :)
Lamoureux Avatar
December 27, 2014 at 3:20 PM
I am a fan of this old legend, I like the imagery you have added to the story.
Adams Avatar
December 11, 2014 at 8:05 AM
Wonderful poem, David. Ir's a WOW.
Kiser Avatar
December 5, 2014 at 1:22 AM
Well written, I love the imagery and the way that you pull this poem together.
Sirak Avatar
December 4, 2014 at 8:03 AM
Fantastic! A creative, poetic take on an old legend.
Dunn Avatar
December 3, 2014 at 6:09 PM
This native girl loves this poem with a full poetic heart and soul, I give you my friend a seven across the board, great job cheri
Babcock Avatar
December 2, 2014 at 1:58 PM
Enjoyed the native legend of the wolves in your poem. Nicely done. love phyl
Kendrick Avatar
December 2, 2014 at 7:28 AM
An old Indian legend that I enjoy with a new twist..Great one presented by you in poetic form..Thanks for the visit to my page..Sara
Dietrich Avatar
December 1, 2014 at 10:38 PM
there now. You are added!!!
Yvonne Avatar
December 1, 2014 at 8:23 PM
Love, love, love, love, this story. A Fav.
Bateman Avatar
December 1, 2014 at 8:04 PM
Really a most excellent write here David!! The build-out of your narrative flowed perfectly. These types of writes are always fun and most interesting to read. And a "7" from me too!! Cheers and Best Wishes, Gary
Mcdaid Avatar
December 1, 2014 at 4:29 PM
really excellent pen david deep beautifully painted pal
Manassian Avatar
December 1, 2014 at 1:15 PM
;-)....Yes..... so true! Enjoyed this story time. I'm a child at heart. Lovely. ...
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
December 1, 2014 at 7:31 AM
thoughtfully written David.. :) love the use of the wind rider.. :)
Hamilton Avatar
November 30, 2014 at 3:14 PM
deep thoughts in this David great pen hugs
Fraser Avatar
November 29, 2014 at 8:33 PM
Drifting plains as they should be, with the Wolf, as they run with the pack. Intervention is inevitable, why, Alpha, is the ultimate, but, be unknown to many, shall wilt to his bitch........ Me, I'm a Scot's man called 'Standing Tall' this the 'Wind Rider' I like, ..............,,
Callus Avatar
November 29, 2014 at 2:28 PM
There is wisdom in your words, David. You use the shaman to project your thoughts; there is strength in both good and evil.....finally the winner takes it all. // paul
Trifiatis Avatar
November 29, 2014 at 1:55 PM
This reminds me of a myth of Plato where man is a beast with many heads and the one we feed is the one who dominates the man! Very spiritual and philosophical dear, David. It is not just a poem but a lecture and for that a seven is due!
Riley Avatar
November 29, 2014 at 11:08 AM
Absolutely outstanding. I was totally taken in by this and moved. Great work.
Ellison Avatar
November 29, 2014 at 10:00 AM
Great slogan, "Live Generously" Creative write... strong image! Kudos!
Gibson Avatar
November 29, 2014 at 9:17 AM
Enjoyed this poem; yes, it is the one we feed. Great write.
Dietrich Avatar
November 28, 2014 at 10:42 PM
wow, what a great ending on this one. I hope he chooses wisely!!!
12
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