It’s like a storm across troubled waters…painful memories of times undone, You run like a child afraid of thunder…you hide and turn your face away, These times seem too much to bare…you’re afraid and all alone. Stand tall my child and find your place in this story…choose life, There’s no shame in reaching out…don’t die young, Forever is a long time…and there’s no return…there’s salvation in the storm. Your pain cuts like a sharp knife…braves and princesses, We’ve let you down…we should have behaved better, Masks don’t tell stories…grandfathers do…grandmothers do…listen to the thunder. Don’t go…the truth is here…awake and scream discontent, Rage my child and chose to lead…ancestors are speaking, Listen…don’t go off the reservation…your life is our salvation. Banging drums and ancestors calling…our names. There are no ghosts…only spirits talking…singing to you, Don’t be afraid…we should have taught you better, Smell the smoke and see the fire…let cedar cleanse…dance my child. You are strong…find the light…find the fight, Feel the kiss of your mother…feel the hand of your child, It’s never too late…never mind the guilt and crimes…cry freedom. Just live your life…don’t let them take this away, There’s nothing on the other side…proof is here, Stop…open your eyes and face the storm…chose to live and be my hero. Don’t go…the truth is here…awake and scream discontent, Rage my child and chose to lead…ancestors are speaking, Listen…don’t go off the reservation…your life is our salvation. Banging drums and ancestors calling…our names. Do you hear them…the ancestors calling…thunder, Don’t be afraid…they are not calling you home, Turn your face and stand before them…listen for the truth. Tomorrow you’ll learn is worth living for, Banging drums and ancestors calling…
Photo by Lawrence Lewis (2012)
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Lawrence Lewis
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” – Muhammad Ali
About Lawrence Lewis
I do a number of things professionally...but most of all and the true purpose of what I do through "my work" is to provide for my family, be a good husband and great father, and try to make a difference as a world citizen...I guess it's not much more complicated than that 🙂
Wonderful words about the ancestors, about chosing life, about listening to advice, about reaching out to those who indeed do love you, and who will hold you and stand by you – maybe you have to do that first. I really enjoyed reading through this piece, a sit also reminded me of Chief Dan Georges’ “My Heart Soars”, 1974 in which he spoke about similar times and with the application of teachings said, “if you let it happen.” Beautiful on both counts.
Bill White
Thanks Bill…I can’t help but think that with each suicide, “We” – the collective we – have failed these young people. It’s really such a sad thing that should not really be permitted to happen – and reflects how the ‘collective we’ have our priorities a little mixed up.