Rivers join, long flowing
in time and space within the land.
The buffalo plains a swept grace –
prairie grass flowing in eternal wind,
heads of grain lifted above the snowfall –
seven fires of unquenchable flame.

Oceti Sakowin

Oyate – born of the land – gather
in unmeasured time, passing
in cloud form, leaf quiver, snow fall
beneath forever stars,
burning sun strewn in layers
across their faces, raised hands
over life-giving streams
blossoming from the far hills
running where horses drink
sacred water of holy places.

Oceti Sakowin

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Portland, Oregon – December 6, 2016

Like many, I have been moved by the actions of the water protectors at Standing Rock in North Dakota.  I believe it is an important, perhaps seminal action which will long be remembered.

Oceti Sakowin – The proper name for the people commonly known as the Sioux is Oceti Sakowin, (Och-et-eeshak-oh-win) meaning Seven Council Fires. The original Sioux tribe was made up of Seven Council Fires.  (Oceti Sakowin – Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center – aktalakota.stjo.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8309)