Ooh Lah Nea Tah
Still She Waits
Water was her history, streams that ran like gold
whispering winds that beckoned in riches to unfold.
Life was never gentle, but it had a certain peace
living within natures goodness native soils calm release.
Her affinity with her country a love for native land
she remembers a pride in knowing she was placed here by gods hand.
The years have changed the contours, wires hang off some lines
metal ribbon crisscross the prairie, as confusion crisscross her mind.
She had heard it told by elders this land is not to own
the gods allow our existance if we protect it like our home
they were so easy to conquer, disappearing from whence they came
They once led a proud existance, now most forsake their name.
Yet, in the heart still lives a spark of fiery pride
for all who fought each battle, sacrificed and died.
 Each year the Tunica-Biloxi have a Native American Festival. I went to it last year and some of the handmade items I found there were outstanding. I bought a clay ceremonial pipe, a dance rattle,(handmade from a gourd, painted with a bear paw, tied in rawhide and decorated with beading) and a handmade flute. All of these items were exquisite. The festival included Native American Dance in competion. Some in full dress ceremonial costumes. I got a few pictures but now can't seem to find them.
Each year a woman brings her collection of ravens,hawks, eagles and owls. Quite interesting because she has indepth knowledge of the birds she keeps. I think most are injured and could not survive without her care, she does not capture healthy specimens for her ensemble.
I have an affinity with the American Indian. Partly because I have Native American Bloodlines myself, and partly because my two middle boys are Nomalakai-Caucau via their Grandfather's people (George Britton) of the Pomo Nation on the Round Valley Reservation. They are registered members of the tribe. But I have a tendency to keep my mouth shut about my Native American heritage, because years ago when I was first dating the boys father, I mentioned I was part Indian. To which I was asked, "Oh, Which Tribe?", I replied, "Cherokee", a minute of silence and then everyone started laughing. I said, "What is so funny,", to which I was told, "Yeh, everyone is part Cherokee." Every since they came into a little money with that oil thing in Oklahoma, EVERYONE is part Cherokee. Well I am, but I haven't said much ever since. (smile) |
