Honoring the Medicine

I am grateful to you Snowy Owl Take me from the West, where the sun sets, Where my mind sinks into its depths, To your home in the North, Cold northern winds that test and strengthen. And on to the East, place of new light. May I have the courage to make this journey To face my tests with dignity and grace, To see through my places of darkness And release what is old and unneeded. Snowy Owl, you are beautiful! Fly by me with still, silent wings, I know that you bri

For the sake of the future and unborn generations To provide a spirit trail for them to follow The old man dances. In a candle lit cedar planked room Wooden benches along the walls Filled with the community of prayer helpers. The old man dances. He is beyond age. He breathes calmly as his feet stomp to the strong drum beat. His eyes are penetrating, already looking through this reality to the next. The old man dances. Though dressed in poor work clothes, I see him

The cry is an obsidian blade That pierces this reality. It cuts open a window Into the dream time. My suffering is unavoidable; I must release the pain of separation-- of speaking instead of singing. I must release the pain of limitation. I must release even my self. I cry, and the Creator pities me. I have shed my human form; I have entered the Bear Robe. I look at you but cannot see you Unless you have prayed yourself into existence. #poem #shaman

For Hawk Littlejohn Long Person, I come to pray with you Where life begins at the edge of earth and water You have been flowing since before I was born; You will sing long after I am gone. Hear now my voice and stretch it back And onwards so it moves, like you, beyond time. Wado! I am thankful for this old friend returned Brother Tawodi, who stood with me on similar banks In our Beloved Mountains, long ago, We were brothers, not only in spirit. Our friendship is sacre

Swinomish Nation., Winter Season, 1991 In The Name Warrior Jesus would be proud of the People Finally honoring his teachings. Fighting greed and selfishness with Giveaways, Fighting lies and abuse with songs of gratitude, Fighting apathy and uncaring with prayer and community. "I am the Way"--this is our trail through the woods, brushed by the cedar trees; this is our path through the wilderness-- the black unknown. "I am the Truth"--this is our vows, our commitme